One of the biggest complaints you’ve no doubt probably heard over the past few years in sports broadcasting, is the rising cost of watching games you used to watch for free.

Major League Baseball is taking that complaint further with its opening night showcase.

If you want to watch the San Francisco Giants take on the New York Yankees, you’ll need a Netflix account.

That’s just for tonight’s game.

You’ll still need ESPN, Apple TV, regular cable and potentially other services to watch all of your favorite team’s games.

It’s hardly fair. Those streaming service prices add up quickly.

And I’m not alone in that philosophy either.

MLB pulling a NFL trying to get their fans to buy a subscription to Netflix for one game. No respect for the fans

— Legend (@TheLegend120139) March 25, 2026

Apparently I paid to watch baseball on MLB but I can’t watch baseball on MLB.

— Jerry (@Jerry10071111) March 25, 2026

My dad looking at me after I tell him that the first game of the MLB season is on Netflix and not regular TV pic.twitter.com/YlUTU5surC

— Monkey Tilt (@MonkeyTilt) March 25, 2026

Netflix for Opening Night? MLB just killed baseball for real fans who can't afford another streaming sub. Back to the dark ages.

— Nectarflow® (@xwonde6) March 25, 2026

What’s next, requiring a subscription to cheer for your own team?

— SABATER (@Sabater86) March 25, 2026

I am NOT subscribing to Netflix. @MLB really dropped the ball on this one.

— Baby Waker (@BabyWaker) March 25, 2026

And it just goes on and on.

But the trend shows no signs of slowing down. As long as fans are willing to pay the money, especially in this age of unaffordability, then you’ll see MLB and the streamers continue to pile on the fees.

This in addition to the punishment you’re wallet will take when you actually go to the game. How about an $8 bottle of water?

Baseball is here? How many streaming services will you subscribe to this year?