Michael Kay, the voice synonymous with New York Yankees baseball, is facing a curveball this season. As the long-standing play-by-play announcer for the Yankees on YES Network, Kay has been a staple during the team's most pivotal moments. However, as the 2026 season kicks off, he's stepping back from a significant game.
The MLB season officially begins on March 26 with a slate of 11 games, but the true opener happens a day earlier. On March 25, the San Francisco Giants will host the New York Yankees in a standalone showdown.
Yet, this time, fans won't hear Kay's familiar commentary. Netflix has snagged the broadcasting rights for this marquee matchup, leaving Kay and his analyst partner, David Cone, on the sidelines.
This change hasn't sat well with Kay or the Yankees faithful. Known for his candidness, Kay expressed his disappointment, stating, "To be blunt, it sucks.
It really does. Opening Day has a special pageantry to it, pomp and circumstance."
It's a sentiment that resonates with fans who cherish the tradition and excitement of Opening Day, second only to the anticipation of pitchers and catchers reporting.
For Kay and the YES Network crew, missing out on this game is a tough pill to swallow. "If I’m Netflix, I’d want the Yankees and the Giants, too," Kay admitted, acknowledging the draw of such a high-profile matchup. Still, the absence of his voice during this iconic game leaves a noticeable void.
Yankees fans will need to switch gears and tune into Netflix to catch the opener. As Spring Training wraps up and the World Baseball Classic concludes, the anticipation for the MLB season is palpable. Despite the broadcasting shake-up, Opening Day promises to deliver the grandeur and excitement that baseball fans eagerly await.