Observed Signal · Jun 29, 2026 · Programming Announcement · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
CTV Market: Netflix Targets Kevin Costner for Field of Dreams Game
Netflix is reportedly trying to bring actor Kevin Costner to its 2026 MLB Field of Dreams Game broadcast. The streamer will air the Field of Dreams Game — scheduled for August 13, 2026, between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies — as part of its expanded live-MLB rights package, which also includes MLB Opening Night and the Home Run Derby. Netflix is assembling a personality-driven broadcast team (including Elle Duncan, Barry Bonds, CC Sabathia, Hunter Pence, Anthony Rizzo, Matt Vasgersian and Lauren Shehadi) and aims to recreate the emotional, cinematic presentation associated with the Field of Dreams IP. The move is part of Netflix’s strategy to strengthen its live sports storytelling on a streaming-first platform.
Netflix airing high-profile live MLB events (Field of Dreams Game) shifts sports distribution toward streaming, expanding CTV inventory and narrative-driven ad opportunities while testing streaming-first live sports presentation and measurement.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Netflix is actively trying to secure Kevin Costner to appear at its upcoming MLB Field of Dreams Game.
- The 2026 Field of Dreams Game is scheduled for August 13, 2026, between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies and will be broadcast by Netflix.
- Netflix's MLB rights package for the season includes MLB Opening Night, the Home Run Derby, and the Field of Dreams Game.
- Reported on-air talent for Netflix's Field of Dreams broadcast includes Elle Duncan (host), Barry Bonds (analyst), CC Sabathia (analyst), Hunter Pence (analyst), Anthony Rizzo (analyst), Matt Vasgersian (play-by-play) and Lauren Shehadi (reporter).
- Netflix reported record-level streaming engagement for its earlier MLB Opening Night broadcast, cited as evidence that live sports can perform on digital-first platforms.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedMLB.com
Official MLB digital publisher and streaming platform.
FOX
US media owner spanning broadcast, streaming, publishing and ad sales.
“Recreating the magic that was on FOX during the 2021 event....”
Netflix
Streaming platform with subscription and advertising revenue.
“Netflix is looking to bring one of baseball’s most iconic movie figures back to the cornfields....”
Front Office Sports
Sports business publisher monetising audiences through advertising and content production.
“According to a new report from Front Office Sports, which comes from an interview with Elle Duncan of Netflix Sports, the streamer is active...”
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