ROOT Sports Shutdown Signals Major Broadcast Shift for Mariners Fans
The Seattle Mariners are preparing for a major change in how fans will watch games starting in 2026. After nearly four decades, ROOT Sports will shut down at the end of the 2025 season. This move ends a long tradition of regional broadcasts for the Mariners and marks a new chapter in the team’s media presence. The shutdown comes as a result of declining cable subscriptions and the rise of streaming services, which have made the old model unsustainable. The loss of other major partners, such as the Seattle Kraken, also contributed to this decision.
Beginning in 2026, Major League Baseball (MLB) will take over the production and distribution of Mariners telecasts. This means that fans will no longer tune in to ROOT Sports for their local baseball coverage. Instead, MLB and ESPN will become the main sources for watching Mariners games. The new arrangement is part of a broader industry shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming and centralized league-controlled production.
How to Watch Mariners Games in 2026: New Streaming Options
With the end of ROOT Sports, fans will have several new ways to watch the Mariners. Starting in 2026, ESPN will be the exclusive rights holder for MLB TV, including out-of-market and select in-market rights for teams like the Mariners. Games will stream live on the ESPN App and MLB platforms, making it easier for fans to access games on mobile devices, smart TVs, or computers.
Subscribers to MLB.TV will be able to watch Mariners games within their local broadcast territory, which includes Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and parts of Idaho and Montana. The ESPN Unlimited plan will also feature a national “game of the day,” giving fans more options to follow out-of-market matchups. Pricing details for these streaming packages have not been officially announced, but they are expected to be similar to current rates, such as $19.99 per month or $99.99 per season.
Fans can expect three main viewing options: streaming via MLB.com or the MLB App, streaming through the ESPN App with integrated MLB.TV, and watching through select cable providers as MLB negotiates new distribution deals. The Mariners will continue to control their broadcast lineup and content, even as MLB handles production.
Mariners Sign Josh Naylor to Five-Year Deal, Fend Off Pirates’ Record Offer
In a major offseason move, the Mariners secured first baseman Josh Naylor with a five-year, $92.5 million contract. This signing was the team’s top priority, as Naylor played a key role in the Mariners’ 2025 playoff run. General Manager Jerry Dipoto called the deal “non-negotiable,” emphasizing Naylor’s importance to the team’s future.
Naylor, who joined Seattle at the 2025 trade deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks, had a standout season. He posted a .295 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and .462 slugging percentage over 147 games, with 20 home runs and 92 RBIs. He also stole 30 bases on 32 attempts, showing his versatility. In the postseason, Naylor excelled, hitting .340 with a .966 OPS across 12 games.
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a record-setting offer for Naylor, reportedly exceeding $78 million, but the Mariners’ commitment and vision convinced him to stay. Naylor’s new contract runs through the 2030 season, with an average annual value of $18.5 million. The Mariners praised his intelligence, intensity, and leadership, calling him “simply a winner.” This move solidifies a crucial spot in the lineup and signals the team’s intent to build on their recent success.
Celebrating 50 Seasons: Special Events and Jersey Patch Unveiled
The 2026 season will be a milestone for the Seattle Mariners as they celebrate their 50th year as a franchise. The team has announced a “50 Seasons Celebration Weekend” scheduled for August 7-9, 2026, at T-Mobile Park during a series against the Tampa Bay Rays. A highlight of the weekend will be a pregame ceremony on August 8, honoring the Top 50 Greatest Mariners Players in franchise history. Fans can vote for their favorite players through February 20, 2026, with input from Mariners legends and other experts.
To mark the occasion, the Mariners will wear a special 50 Seasons jersey patch throughout the 2026 season. The patch features the original typeface from the team’s inaugural 1977 season and a ring of 116 lines, symbolizing the record-setting 116-win campaign by the 2001 team. The patch will replace the primary logo on one sleeve of the Mariners’ jerseys.
President of Business Operations Kevin Martinez said the celebration honors the fans, community, and players who have shaped the franchise over five decades. The team will also offer various giveaway items and promotions tied to the 50 Seasons celebration, making the 2026 season a memorable one for fans.
Recent Lineup Changes, Trades, and Other News
The Mariners have been active in the offseason, making several moves to strengthen their roster. In addition to signing Josh Naylor, the team designated minor league reliever Saucedo for assignment and saw former reliever Erik Swanson retire at age 32. The Mariners are also preparing for a number retirement ceremony for Hall of Famer Randy Johnson on May 2, with a jersey giveaway planned for the night before.
On the international front, the MLB posting system has seen updates involving South Korean infielder Sung-mun Song and two Japanese players entering free agency eligibility. These developments could impact the Mariners’ future roster decisions as they look to add talent from around the world.
Looking Ahead: Mariners Aim for Continued Success
As the Seattle Mariners approach their 50th season, the team is focused on building a competitive roster and adapting to the changing media landscape. The end of ROOT Sports and the move to streaming platforms reflect a new era for fans, who will have more ways to watch games than ever before. The signing of Josh Naylor and the celebration of 50 years of Mariners baseball show the organization’s commitment to both its history and its future.
With new broadcast options, a strong core of players, and a season full of special events, the Mariners are poised to make 2026 a year to remember. Fans can look forward to honoring the past, enjoying the present, and hoping for more success on the field as the team enters its next chapter.