Some breaking news in youth baseball, as the Cal Ripken Baseball World Series (under the Babe Ruth League banner) will get national TV coverage for the first time since 2008 as part of a multiyear deal with Versant (the Comcast spinoff that includes most of its cable networks).
CNBC this year is airing all three championships live. In addition to CNBC linear coverage, subscription youth sports streaming service SportsEngine Play also will be airing the World Series games this year. The U.S. and International title games will air Aug. 15, and the World Championship is Aug. 16.
Beginning in 2026 and beyond, a Versant cable network (TBD) will televise the three games each year.
SportsEnginePlay’s portion of the deal also includes select regional playoff games next year and the championships in July and August.
NBC Sports Next President Will McIntosh and Babe Ruth League President & CEO Steven Tellefsen spearheaded the deal.
