NBC, ESPN and Netflix will share tentpole events, including the Field of Dreams Game and the first round of the playoffs

ESPN and Major League Baseball appeared headed for an ugly separation after the network opted out of its rights deal in February. Nine months later, it appears to be the best thing to happen to both parties.

The way fans watch baseball is about to drastically change, as Major League Baseball tears the Band-Aid off its distribution model and pivots toward a future where linear television and streaming coexist, even if it comes at a cost to both sports leagues and consumers.

MLB rallied from its spring snafu with its TV rights into a solid foundation for the next three years and beyond.

"This fan-friendly agreement allows us to showcase the great sport of baseball on both a local and national level, while prioritizing our streaming future."