The Home Run Derby broadcast on Netflix attracted 5.3 million viewers, marking the lowest audience for the event in over two decades. This viewership figure, the lowest since 2003, has prompted discussion about the performance of live sports on streaming platforms compared to traditional television.
Despite a general trend of increasing viewership for live sporting events across platforms in recent years, the Home Run Derby's performance on Netflix fell below recent benchmarks. In 2025, the event averaged 5.73 million viewers on ESPN, and in 2024, it drew 5.45 million viewers on the same network. Netflix's inaugural broadcast was not significantly higher than these figures.
The gap between viewership on streaming services and traditional television for live sports remains notable. Experts suggest that a hybrid approach, simulcasting events across both linear television and streaming platforms such as NBC/Peacock or ESPN/ESPN Unlimited, may represent the strongest model for maximizing audience reach currently.
Questions have also arisen regarding the quality and format of Netflix's sports coverage. Criticisms suggest that the broadcasts sometimes resemble infomercials for the company's entertainment content rather than straightforward sports coverage. The inclusion of celebrities and influencers, such as Will Ferrell during the Home Run Derby, has been a point of discussion.
Longtime sports radio host Dan Patrick commented on the coverage, noting a lack of prior awareness of Netflix's involvement and observing what he perceived as an overly ambitious attempt to enhance the broadcast. "Sometimes you can try too hard. Sometimes you can try to dress something up, and you really don't need to," Patrick stated.
Further scrutiny has been directed at Netflix's choice of Elle Duncan as a prominent figure in its sports division. Comments from figures like OutKick founder Clay Travis have questioned the decision, drawing comparisons to athlete contracts and criticizing Duncan's hosting abilities.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals won the Home Run Derby, defeating hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber. The event took place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, July 13, 2026.
