NBC Sports has unveiled its broadcast lineup for MLB Opening Day 2026, just one week before the official start of the season. The network’s coverage kicks off with an exciting doubleheader on Thursday, March 26, marking MLB’s return to NBC in a major way after more than two decades. Fans can catch both games live on NBC and stream them simultaneously on Peacock, delivering high-profile matchups loaded with star power and championship pedigree.
MLB on NBC’s debut
The afternoon game begins at 1 p.m. ET, pitting the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Leading the charge for Pittsburgh is reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, the young phenom whose electric fastball and dominant performances made him one of the breakout stars of recent seasons. He’ll face off against a Mets lineup bolstered by superstar slugger Juan Soto, who brings elite plate discipline and power to New York’s revamped offense. This early-season clash promises fireworks, as both teams look to set the tone for their campaigns.
In the evening primetime slot at 8 p.m. ET—the only night game on Opening Day—the Arizona Diamondbacks travel to Dodger Stadium to take on the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arizona’s dynamic outfielder Corbin Carroll will look to spark the D-backs’ attack, while the spotlight shines brightly on Shohei Ohtani, the four-time MVP whose unique two-way brilliance continues to captivate fans. The Dodgers will also participate in a pregame ceremony to raise their latest World Series championship banner, adding extra pageantry to what is sure to be a thrilling contest.
For the Pirates-Mets matchup, play-by-play duties fall to veteran broadcaster Matt Vasgersian, who teams up with analysts Al Leiter and Neil Walker. Leiter, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, enjoyed a 19-year pitching career, including a memorable seven-season stint with the Mets from 1998-2004. During his time in New York, he earned the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2000 for his exemplary character, community involvement, and contributions to the game.
Leiter has been a respected studio analyst on MLB Network since 2009—earning a Sports Emmy nomination—and previously spent 12 seasons as a game analyst for the YES Network.Walker, a 2014 National League Silver Slugger winner as the Pirates’ second baseman, brings insider knowledge from his 12-year MLB career (2009-2020). He spent his first seven seasons in Pittsburgh before joining the Mets for two years (2016-17).
Since 2021, Walker has served as an analyst on Pirates broadcasts, offering sharp insights from his playing days.Pregame coverage for the early game will be hosted by Ahmed Fareed, joined by analyst Adam Ottavino. Ottavino, a reliable reliever across 15 MLB seasons (appearing in 727 games for five teams, including 2022-24 with the Mets), provides valuable perspective on pitching strategies and in-game adjustments.
Jason Benetti joins NBC, but first…
The nightcap features Jason Benetti on play-by-play, paired with analysts Luis Gonzalez and Orel Hershiser, both World Series heroes in their own right. Benetti, known for his engaging style, is currently on loan to CBS and TNT for the NCAA Tournament’s first round in Buffalo, NY. He is filling in for Brian Anderson, who is sidelined by illness. Anderson is slated to return for the second round.
Gonzalez, a five-time All-Star over 19 seasons (1990-2008), spent eight standout years with the Diamondbacks. His defining moment came in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, where his walk-off single clinched Arizona’s first championship. That year, he posted a .325 average with 57 home runs and 142 RBIs, earning Silver Slugger honors. He continues to analyze select Diamondbacks games and received the 2005 Branch Rickey Award for his community service.
Hershiser’s legendary 18-year career peaked in 1988 with the Dodgers, when he notched an MLB-high 23 wins, set a record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings, and swept the NL Cy Young, NLCS MVP, and World Series MVP awards as Los Angeles claimed the title. He pitched 12 seasons for the Dodgers and later earned ALCS MVP honors with Cleveland in 1995. Since 2017, Hershiser has been the primary analyst for SportsNet LA’s Dodgers broadcasts.
Pregame for the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game will feature host Bob Costas alongside three-time NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw for an on-location show at Dodger Stadium, building anticipation for the banner-raising ceremony and the season ahead.
Additionally, Peacock’s “Game of the Day” feature launches on March 26 (running through April 1), streaming one out-of-market game nationally each day. The opener: Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels visiting Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros at 4:10 p.m. ET. Viewers can choose the home or away broadcast feed, enhancing flexibility for fans nationwide.
