The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting as the event moves to Netflix. Starting at 8 p.m. ET, the competition abandons its traditional clock-based format for a swing-based system, with a $1 million prize for the winner. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, leading into the MLB All-Star Game on FOX the following evening.
Netflix Streaming Transition and Broadcast Evolution
For the first time since 1994, ESPN will not carry the Home Run Derby. This is the first Home Run Derby in Netflix’s hands, and viewers need only an active subscription to access the broadcast. While Netflix handles the Derby, FOX retains the rights to broadcast the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
Did you know? The Home Run Derby winner earns $1 million, while the runner-up receives $500,000. Every other participant in the eight-person field receives $150,000, with an additional $100,000 bonus awarded for the longest home run of the night.
New Swing-Based Competition Format
Major League Baseball has officially retired the timed-round format used in previous years. Under the new rules, the competition is entirely swing-based. In the first round, each of the eight hitters receives 20 swings, with the top four total home run leaders advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals and final rounds consist of 15 swings apiece, pairing seeds one against four and two against three.
One specific carry-over rule remains: a round cannot conclude on a home run. If a hitter connects for a home run on their final swing, they continue until they fail to clear the fence. This change aims to maintain the high-stakes tension of the final moments of each round, ensuring that participants cannot “clock out” while on a hot streak.
Philadelphia Host Venue and Participant Field
The 2026 festivities take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The field of eight participants includes five players from the American League and three from the National League. Local interest is high, as Harper and Schwarber are confirmed to compete on their home turf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the 2026 Home Run Derby?
The event is available exclusively on Netflix. It is not being broadcast on traditional cable networks like ESPN.
What time does the Home Run Derby start?
Special coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with the competition officially starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Is the All-Star Game on Netflix?
No. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be broadcast on FOX on Tuesday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
How does the new swing-based format work?
Hitters no longer have a time limit. Instead, they receive a set number of swings (20 in the first round, 15 in the semifinals and finals). If a player hits a home run on their final swing, they continue until they make an out.
Are you watching the Derby this year? Share your predictions for the winner in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the 2026 MLB All-Star week.
Update (July 14, 2026)
St. Louis Cardinals' Jordan Walker won the 2026 Home Run Derby, becoming the first player from his team to do so, according to apnews.com. Walker defeated Kyle Schwarber in a dramatic final round, hitting six home runs on his final six swings to secure the victory. Schwarber hit 11 homers in the final round but finished as the runner-up.
The field also included Willson Contreras, Junior Caminero, Ben Rice, Jac Caglianone, and Munetaka Murakami. Bryce Harper, who stated this would be his last Derby, hit eight in the first round and failed to advance. Walker, a first-time All-Star with a career-high 22 homers this season, celebrated the win with his family on the field.
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