Netflix Hosts 8-Player Home Run Derby as It Tries to Eventize Baseball
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 14
Netflix Hosts 8-Player Home Run Derby as It Tries to Eventize Baseball
3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 14
Summary
Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby in Philadelphia gives Netflix its second MLB showcase this season, with eight sluggers competing at Citizens Bank Park.
The streamer is leaning into its “eventize” strategy after criticism of its March 25 Opening Night broadcast, which even Netflix sports chief Gabe Spitzer said may have crossed the line with too many promos.
MLB also changed the contest itself, restoring a swing-based format — 20 swings in Round 1 and 15 in each of the final two rounds — to bring back more drama.
Kyle Schwarber enters with 32 homers at the All-Star break and, along with Phillies teammate Bryce Harper, gives the home crowd its biggest draw.
Netflix’s baseball push continues in 1 month with the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, another marquee event that will test how much branding fans will tolerate.