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Commonwealth Bank of Australia Raises Home Loan Rates Second Time This Month Amid RBA Hikes

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A Starbucks logo is pictured on the door of the Green Apron Delivery Service at the Empire State Building in New York

SYDNEY — Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the nation’s largest lender, has increased home loan interest rates for the second time in March 2026, adding further pressure to mortgage holders already grappling with higher borrowing costs following two Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate rises this year.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Pedestrians walk past a Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) branch in central Sydney.
DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

On Tuesday, CBA announced a 0.30 percentage point increase to all its fixed-rate home loan products, effective Friday, March 28. The move follows the bank’s earlier 0.25 percentage point hike to variable rates, effective March 27, in response to the RBA’s March 17 decision to lift the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.10 per cent.

The latest fixed-rate adjustment pushes some owner-occupier fixed loans as high as 7.19 per cent and investor loans to 7.04 per cent, depending on loan-to-value ratio and product type. This comes after CBA passed on the full 0.25 per cent RBA increase to variable rates earlier in the month, with changes taking effect on March 27.

CBA Group Executive for Retail Banking Angus Sullivan said the bank’s priority remains supporting customers through clear communication and practical assistance options, including repayment pauses or switching to interest-only periods where eligible. However, the back-to-back increases have drawn criticism from consumer groups concerned about affordability strains on Australian households.

Impact on Borrowers

For a typical $600,000 mortgage with 25 years remaining, the combined March hikes could add roughly $90 to $100 or more to monthly repayments, depending on the product mix and whether the loan is fixed or variable. Borrowers on fixed rates rolling off in coming months face particularly sharp resets if they move to higher current fixed or variable offerings.

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The RBA’s March decision marked the second cash rate increase of 2026, following a 0.25 percentage point hike in February that took the target from 3.60 per cent to 3.85 per cent before the latest move to 4.10 per cent. The board’s vote was split, with five members supporting the rise and four preferring to hold steady, citing persistent inflation risks and tighter labour market conditions.

All major banks — CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ — passed on the full March variable rate increase, with slight variations in effective dates. Westpac’s variable hike takes effect March 31, while CBA, ANZ and NAB implemented theirs on March 27.

Fixed-rate products have also faced upward pressure. CBA’s latest 0.30 per cent adjustment across fixed terms reflects funding cost increases and market expectations of potentially higher rates persisting into 2026.

Broader Market Context

Sydney and other capital city homeowners, already dealing with elevated property prices and cost-of-living pressures, now confront a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. Analysts note that three consecutive rate hikes — February, March and a potential May move — could add up to $8,000 annually to repayments for some metropolitan borrowers, according to earlier forecasts from major banks and comparison sites.

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Consumer advocates have urged borrowers to review their loans, contact their lender early for hardship assistance if needed, and consider fixed-rate options or refinancing where savings are available. However, with many lenders tightening or raising fixed rates, refinancing opportunities have narrowed for some customers.

CBA’s announcements align with actions by other big four banks, though smaller lenders and non-banks have shown mixed responses, with some passing on less than the full RBA increase to remain competitive.

Customer Support Measures

In its statement, CBA emphasised support tools for affected customers, including:

  • Repayment pause or reduction options for eligible borrowers facing temporary hardship.
  • Switching between principal-and-interest and interest-only repayments.
  • Access to financial counselling and budgeting assistance through partnerships.
  • Online calculators and rate comparison tools on its website to help customers understand personalised impacts.

Fixed Versus Variable Rate Considerations

The dual hikes in March highlight the differing dynamics of fixed and variable products. Variable rates respond directly to RBA moves and funding costs, while fixed rates incorporate market expectations of future rate paths. With the cash rate now at 4.10 per cent and inflation risks skewed higher due to global uncertainties, including Middle East tensions, many economists anticipate the RBA may hold or hike further in coming months.

Borrowers on expiring fixed rates this year could see significant step-ups when reverting to variable rates or new fixed terms. Financial advisers recommend stress-testing budgets at rates 3 percentage points above current levels, as required by responsible lending rules.

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Outlook for Mortgage Holders

The RBA has signalled a data-dependent approach, with the next board meeting scheduled for May. Markets currently price in limited immediate further hikes but acknowledge upside risks to inflation from wages growth, capacity constraints and external shocks.

For CBA customers, the March changes mean variable-rate borrowers will see the increase reflected in their April statements, while fixed-rate customers face the new pricing on new or refinanced loans from Friday onward.

Homeowners are advised to:

  • Log into their CBA online banking or app to view personalised rate impacts.
  • Contact CBA’s customer support line or relationship manager for tailored assistance.
  • Compare rates across lenders, noting that some smaller institutions may offer more competitive packages.
  • Consider locking in fixed rates if they provide payment certainty, though current levels remain elevated.
  • Explore government or lender support schemes if facing genuine repayment difficulty.

While the cash rate remains well below peaks seen in 2022-2023, the rapid reversal of some prior easing has caught many households off guard after a period of relative stability. Consumer groups continue to call for greater transparency from banks on margin management and funding costs during such cycles.

As Australia navigates this tighter monetary policy phase, borrowers with larger loans or those in high-cost cities like Sydney and Melbourne face the greatest relative burden. Early engagement with lenders remains the most effective strategy for managing increased repayments.

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AI and Aged Care Lead the Surge

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Artificial Intelligence / AI

SYDNEY — Artificial intelligence engineers and aged care workers are spearheading Australia’s fastest-growing occupations in 2026, as the nation’s labour market grapples with technological disruption, an ageing population and infrastructure demands, according to the latest projections from Jobs and Skills Australia and industry reports.

Artificial Intelligence / AI
BoliviaInteligente / Unsplash

Employment across Australia is forecast to expand by hundreds of thousands of positions through 2026, with health care and social assistance, professional services and education driving much of the growth. While overall job gains have moderated from pandemic-era peaks, specific roles in AI, care services and engineering are seeing explosive demand.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s employment projections highlight that four service industries — health care and social assistance, professional scientific and technical services, education and training, and accommodation and food services — will account for nearly two-thirds of new jobs by late 2026. Professionals and community/personal service workers are expected to deliver about 60 per cent of total employment growth.

Here are the 10 most rapidly rising jobs for 2026, compiled from recent data by LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list, Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts, Hays, Morgan McKinley and SEEK analyses. Rankings blend percentage growth, absolute job increases and hiring trends:

  1. AI Engineer LinkedIn named AI Engineer the No. 1 fastest-growing job for 2026, with massive surges in postings as businesses integrate artificial intelligence for data analysis, automation and predictions. Roles often overlap with machine learning engineering. AI literacy has become the single most in-demand skill across all positions, with eight in 10 global leaders preferring candidates comfortable with AI tools. Salaries frequently exceed $150,000.
  2. Aged and Disabled Carer Projected to add nearly 75,000 positions with 28 per cent growth over five years to 2026, this role tops absolute increases in community and personal service occupations. Australia’s ageing population and National Disability Insurance Scheme expansion fuel relentless demand. Many positions require Certificate III or IV qualifications.
  3. Registered Nurse Health care remains the fastest-growing industry overall. Registered nurses, especially in aged care, mental health and acute settings, are projected to grow by more than 40,000 roles. Shortages could reach tens of thousands by 2035 without action. Average salaries range from $85,000 to $120,000, with strong migration pathways.
  4. Software and Applications Programmer / Software Engineer Digital transformation continues unabated. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts strong growth for software programmers, with related ICT roles like database and systems administrators plus cybersecurity specialists also surging. Tech shortages persist despite global headwinds.
  5. Cyber Security Specialist As businesses and government face rising threats, cyber roles rank highly on Hays’ in-demand lists. Demand spans infrastructure, procurement and technology security, with salaries often topping $140,000 for experienced professionals.
  6. Data Engineer Morgan McKinley’s 2026 outlook placed data engineers at the top of in-demand tech roles, with salaries between $110,000 and $190,000. They build the data pipelines powering AI and analytics initiatives across industries.
  7. Mechanical Engineer / Power System Engineer Engineering disciplines feature prominently on LinkedIn’s fastest-growing list. Infrastructure projects, renewable energy transitions and manufacturing needs boost demand for mechanical, civil and power systems engineers.
  8. Disability Support Worker Closely tied to aged care growth, these roles benefit from NDIS rollout and community care shifts. Community and personal service occupations as a group are projected to add nearly 189,000 positions.
  9. Project Manager (Senior) Large-scale infrastructure, construction and tech implementations drive demand for experienced project managers, particularly those handling $5 million to $10 million projects. Salaries often reach $160,000–$200,000.
  10. Mental Health Support Worker / Psychotherapist Rising awareness and investment in mental health services have lifted demand for support workers and therapists. Health care and social assistance growth includes expanded community mental health roles.

Other notable mentions from 2026 reports include Chief Risk Officer, Director of Artificial Intelligence, sustainability consultants and electric vehicle technicians — reflecting dual pressures of digital innovation and the net-zero transition.

Healthcare Dominates Volume Growth Health Care and Social Assistance is forecast to add more than 300,000 jobs in the coming years, far outpacing other sectors. An ageing population, chronic disease management and post-pandemic care backlogs underpin this trend. Registered nurses and carers alone could fill tens of thousands of vacancies.

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Tech and AI Accelerate AI-related roles have transitioned from experimental to mainstream. Organisations are hiring not just engineers but directors of AI and organisational development managers to embed the technology responsibly. Cybersecurity and data specialists complement this shift, as businesses protect and leverage vast datasets.

Trades and Infrastructure Hold Steady Construction, renewable energy and housing projects sustain demand for electricians, civil engineers and related trades. Government infrastructure spending and the energy transition create opportunities in power systems, solar and battery technologies.

Challenges persist despite the opportunities. Employers report ongoing skills shortages in regional areas, where many high-growth roles are located. Wage pressures, training pipelines and migration settings will influence whether supply meets demand. Unemployment hovered around 4.1–4.3 per cent in early 2026, with participation rates near record highs.

Jobs and Skills Australia notes that higher-skill occupations — those typically requiring bachelor degrees or above — will account for a large share of growth, though certificate-level roles in care and trades also expand rapidly. Emerging positions in green skills, such as sustainability consultants and energy engineers, are gaining traction but remain smaller in volume.

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Education and training providers are adapting. Universities and vocational institutions report increased enrolments in nursing, IT and engineering courses. Apprenticeships in electrical and construction trades continue to attract interest amid strong pay and job security.

For job seekers, the message is clear: skills in AI, data, care delivery and engineering offer the best prospects. Upskilling in digital tools, even for non-tech roles, is increasingly essential. “AI literacy is now table stakes,” one LinkedIn analysis noted.

Regional disparities matter. Metropolitan areas lead in tech and professional services, while aged care and disability support needs are acute everywhere, including remote communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce participation initiatives aim to tap underrepresented talent pools.

Economists caution that global uncertainties, interest rates and productivity trends could temper overall employment growth to around 0.8 per cent in 2026. Yet structural drivers — demographics, technology adoption and the clean energy shift — provide resilience in the highlighted occupations.

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As Australia navigates 2026, these 10 rising jobs illustrate a workforce in transition: caring for an older population while building the digital and sustainable economy of the future. Workers with relevant qualifications, flexibility and a willingness to upskill stand to benefit most.

Government, industry and educators will need coordinated efforts to address shortages, expand training and ensure equitable access to these opportunities. For many Australians and skilled migrants, 2026 could mark the start of rewarding careers in fields that are not just growing — but reshaping the nation.

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Erika Kirk Faces Escalating Legal Battle Over Defamation Claims Amid Leadership at Turning Point USA

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Erika Kirk

Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and current CEO and chairwoman of Turning Point USA, has sent a fresh cease-and-desist letter accusing an online activist of defamation, escalating a public feud over baseless claims linking her to her husband’s assassination and sex trafficking allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

Erika Kirk
Erika Kirk

The letter, dated March 18 and signed by attorney Paul Edgard Harold of SouthBank Legal, targets Collin Scott Campbell, the Maryland-based figure behind the “Project Constitution” brand. It demands he stop spreading statements alleging Kirk’s involvement in Charlie Kirk’s September 2025 murder and other unsubstantiated claims.

Kirk, 37, assumed leadership of the influential conservative youth organization shortly after her husband’s assassination at a Turning Point USA event on the campus of Utah Valley University. The board voted unanimously to appoint her as chair and CEO, a role she has used to vow that the group’s mission would grow “stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.”

In the months since, Kirk has navigated grief while stepping into the national spotlight. She has spoken at her husband’s memorial, where she publicly forgave the shooter, citing her Christian faith. She has hosted events, appeared on major media outlets and continued Turning Point USA’s campus organizing, AmericaFest conference and podcast efforts.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly honored Kirk and her late husband. In February, Trump recognized her during his State of the Union address, calling Charlie Kirk a “great friend” and using the moment to condemn political violence. Trump later appointed Kirk in March to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, filling the seat previously held by her husband. The 16-member board advises on academy morale, curriculum, instruction and other matters.

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Kirk’s appointment drew attention as a continuation of her husband’s influence in conservative circles. She has also been announced as the 2026 commencement speaker at Hillsdale College and has joined events with figures like Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Yet Kirk’s rising profile has come with intense scrutiny and online controversy. Critics, including some on the right such as Candace Owens, have questioned her leadership style, personal life and decisions at Turning Point USA. A leaked Zoom call from days after the assassination showed Kirk addressing staff, which some interpreted as overly focused on operations. Allegations have circulated online about past texts and personal conduct, though many remain unverified or contested.

The latest cease-and-desist reflects Kirk and Turning Point USA’s aggressive pushback against what they describe as defamatory attacks. The letter accuses Campbell of spreading falsehoods that have damaged Kirk’s reputation. Such legal threats highlight deepening divisions within conservative activist circles following Charlie Kirk’s death.

Before her husband’s assassination, Erika Lane Frantzve (now Kirk) built her own public presence. Born in 1988 in Ohio and raised in Arizona, she won Miss Arizona USA in 2012. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University, a juris master’s in legal studies from Liberty University and has pursued further studies in Christian leadership.

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Kirk launched a faith-based clothing line called PROCLAIM and a Bible-in-365 ministry focused on daily scripture engagement. She hosted devotional podcasts and described herself as a supportive wife and mother of two young children while often appearing alongside her husband at events.

Following the September 2025 shooting, Kirk has spoken openly about her grief, including in interviews detailing the hardest parts of daily life without her husband. She has shared emotional tributes, emphasizing resilience, faith and a commitment to family values. In one reflection, she described praying during the tragedy and finding blessings amid sorrow.

Supporters praise her poise and determination to carry forward Turning Point USA’s mission of engaging young people in conservative principles. Detractors, however, have accused her of turning personal tragedy into a “spotlight” moment or questioned internal organizational dynamics, including reports of some campus chapters reconsidering affiliations.

A luxury retailer, Alo, faced potential backlash after an alleged leak of Kirk’s purchase history was used in online smears. Broader discussions have touched on everything from her appearance and public demeanor to policy questions, such as her comments on family, motherhood and political violence.

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Kirk has largely responded by focusing on faith, forgiveness and legacy-building. She has rejected political violence and called for unity in the conservative movement. In public appearances, she has stressed that her husband’s work must continue through grassroots activism on campuses and beyond.

The defamation dispute with Project Constitution fits into a pattern of legal and rhetorical clashes. Turning Point USA has defended its operations amid questions about finances, direction and internal culture. Some online voices have amplified conspiracy theories, while others defend Kirk as a grieving widow unfairly targeted.

As of late March 2026, no lawsuit has been filed in the latest cease-and-desist matter, but the letter signals Kirk’s unwillingness to let accusations go unchallenged. Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures require proving actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.

Kirk’s story reflects broader themes in American conservatism: the intersection of faith, politics, personal loss and public leadership. A former pageant winner and entrepreneur turned nonprofit executive, she embodies contrasts that have fueled both admiration and criticism.

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Friends and allies describe her as resilient, pointing to her quick return to public work while raising children. In a TIME100 Next profile, she was highlighted for modeling strength and grace after tragedy. Critics counter that some appearances, including a leaked call showing her addressing business matters shortly after the assassination, suggest a focus on continuity that some find jarring.

Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, has grown into a major force for conservative organizing, with chapters on hundreds of campuses. Under Erika Kirk’s leadership, the group has maintained its schedule of events despite challenges, including reported disaffiliations by some local chapters.

Kirk has participated in faith-focused tours and spoken about biblical leadership. She has addressed topics like gender roles, marriage and delaying family, drawing from her own journey from a career-oriented background to married life and motherhood.

The Air Force Academy appointment adds a formal government advisory role, potentially allowing Kirk to influence recommendations on curriculum and cadet life. It also keeps the Kirk name connected to institutions her husband engaged with.

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As controversies swirl — from legal threats to online memes and commentary — Kirk continues her dual role as mother and movement leader. She has posted heartfelt messages about sorrow not having the final word and the importance of Christian forgiveness.

Political observers note that her trajectory places her among prominent women in the MAGA-aligned space, often facing intense personal scrutiny. Supporters urge focus on her policy work and faith; skeptics demand greater transparency from Turning Point USA.

With 2026 bringing commencement speeches, ongoing tours and potential further legal developments, Erika Kirk remains a central, polarizing figure in conservative politics. Her ability to steer the organization her husband built, while countering personal attacks, will likely shape Turning Point USA’s future influence.

Kirk has not commented publicly on the most recent cease-and-desist as of Thursday. Turning Point USA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Port Talbot to become offshore wind hub for Celtic Sea

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Port Talbot to become offshore wind hub for Celtic Sea

She added that clean steelmaking, the development of the Celtic Freeport and the expansion of floating offshore wind meant Port Talbot was firmly at the heart of south Wales’s growing clean energy economy, supporting thousands of new, high-quality jobs and helping deliver Britain’s clean power mission.

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Wave Life Sciences shares tumble on obesity drug trial data

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Wave Life Sciences shares tumble on obesity drug trial data

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Taco Bell to open new restaurants along M4 and M5 corridor, creating 600 jobs

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The US fast-food chain sells Mexican-inspired dishes and is known for its tacos and burritos

Taco Bell is opening across the South West, Wales and Midlands

Taco Bell is opening across the South West of England, Wales and Midlands(Image: Handout)

US fast-food restaurant Taco Bell is set to open a number of outlets in the West of England, Wales and the Midlands. Franchise operator Campana has secured an eight-figure funding package which will be used to establish the new branches, with six sites due to open across the cross-border region in the coming months.

Part of the SYMBRO Group, Campana currently operates 23 Taco Bell locations in South West England, Wales and the Midlands.

It is understood the business plans to open around 12 new restaurants a year, building a portfolio of more than 50 Taco Bell sites in the UK by 2029.

The next phase of growth will focus on further locations in Wales, the South West, along the M4 and M5 corridors, plus further expansion in and around the Midlands.

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The £20m investment programme is expected to create around 600 jobs and increase revenue by between 50 and 60 per cent as the business continues to expand.

David Morgan, finance director at Campana, said: “Since opening our first Taco Bell six years ago, and with every additional new restaurant opening since, we’ve consistently seen strong demand for this much-loved brand, bringing craveable, Mexican-inspired flavours and unbeatable value to a new generation of UK consumers.”

The company secured the latest finance package from HSBC UK. It is understood the lender also provided Campana with a revolving credit facility, giving the business access to capital as new locations are secured and construction and fit-outs get under way.

Paul Lane, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Campana has built a strong Taco Bell franchise business since opening its first location, and its ambitious rollout plans highlight the opportunity within the UK’s hospitality sector, despite ongoing pressures.

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“The quick-service restaurant market continues to show resilience, with franchising offering a scalable and effective route to growth. Against this backdrop, the business’ clear expansion strategy and proven track record made a compelling case to support this significant funding package and its next phase of growth.”

SYMBRO Group currently owns and operates 60 QSR franchises across the UK and the Netherlands, including Taco Bell, Subway and Starbucks.

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Don't panic – five ways to stop your kids' endless scrolling

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Don't panic - five ways to stop your kids' endless scrolling

Parenting experts share their tips on how to keep children’s screen time under control.

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Nike At 5-Year Lows: Why The Turnaround Is Already Working

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Nike At 5-Year Lows: Why The Turnaround Is Already Working

Nike At 5-Year Lows: Why The Turnaround Is Already Working

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M-tron Industries, Inc. (MPTI) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Bella, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to M-tron Earnings Call for Q4 2025. [Operator Instructions]

I would now like to turn the conference over to Linda Biles, Executive Vice President of Finance. You may begin.

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Linda Biles
Executive VP of Finance & Secretary

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our M-tron Q4 2025 and Fiscal Year 2025 Earnings Call. Please note that this call will be recorded, and we will make the recording available on our website www.mtron.com shortly after the call. Tuesday afternoon, we released our earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025 and annual fiscal year 2025.

Before getting underway, we are required to advise you that the following discussion should be taken in conjunction with our most recent financial statements and notes is contained within our 2025 10-K, which was filed today on March 26 with the SEC.

This discussion may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements contain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which are detailed in our filings with the SEC.

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Although the company believes that the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding its business and future market conditions, there are no assurances that the company’s actual results will not differ materially from any results expressed or implied by the company’s forward-looking statements.

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MLB faces historic shift as potential lockout, media rights and league changes loom

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MLB faces historic shift as potential lockout, media rights and league changes loom
Why this MLB season could be the last before major changes for the league

Thursday’s Opening Day may be the calm before the storm for Major League Baseball.

The league’s collective bargaining agreement with its players expires at the end of this season. Owners, with the commissioner’s backing, are almost sure to push for a salary cap (which would likely come with a salary floor to get players to the negotiating table).

MLB owners have never been able to get a cap passed by the players union. It’s unclear if the end of the 2026 season will lead to a different result, but MLB Players Association Interim Executive Director Bruce Meyer told ESPN last month he expects a lockout is “all but guaranteed.”

In addition to the CBA’s expiration, there are major shifts underway for baseball media rights. One-third of the league’s teams didn’t have local TV deals in place for this season until this week. 

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Nine MLB teams – the Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers – announced Wednesday their brand new MLB-operated team channels will be carried by DirecTV.

Most of those teams had previously been part of Main Street Sports (previously Diamond Sports Group), which operates FanDuel Sports Networks (previously Bally Sports). That entity has been teetering with liquidation, and the teams terminated their contracts with the company due to missed payments earlier this year.

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A 10th team, the Atlanta Braves, is launching a new network called BravesVision. The Braves and Charter’s Spectrum announced a multiyear distribution agreement earlier this week

MLB ideally wants the rights to all 30 teams in its control by the end of the 2028 season so that it can sell the in-market local games as a national package to a streamer. That would become the modern replacement to regional sports networks, and it would likely be a new, coveted package for streaming services such as ESPN and Amazon Prime Video.

Also at the end of the 2028 season, MLB’s national media rights for all of its packages will expire, allowing the league to redistribute games to its partners and potentially select new ones. 

NBC, ESPN, Fox and a combined CBS/Turner have dominated national rights for the past few decades.

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“The key in media negotiations now is having all of your rights available,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told me last year. “If you have all of your content – all of your playoffs, all of your regular season – available, there will be buyers, and I’m confident there will be buyers at a higher price for us.”

Manfred has even floated the idea of expanding to 32 teams and realigning the league geographically, upending or even eliminating the American and National leagues that have existed for more than 100 years. 

Soaring TV ratings

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., on July 9, 2025.

David A. Grogan | CNBC

More than 50 million people in the U.S., Canada and Japan watched Game Seven of the World Series last year – the most-watched baseball game in 34 years. MLB recently wrapped up the World Baseball Classic – a global preseason tournament – which captured nearly 11 million viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes for its final game.

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MLB team valuations rose 13% from last year. The average MLB team is now worth $2.95 billion, according to CNBC Sport data.

Still, the profitability of the league is in far worse shape than it is for the NFL, NBA and NHL, according to CNBC’s calculations. In 2025, MLB’s 30 teams had an EBITDA — earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — margin of under 2%. Team average revenue was $426 million with average EBITDA of $7 million, including non-MLB ballpark events. In contrast, the comparable margin for the NFL was 20%; the NBA, 21% and the NHL, 22%, according to CNBC’s most recent valuations.

The new CBA at the end of this season could be the first significant step toward a very different MLB. But, similar to the WNBA, which announced its new CBA earlier this week, MLB must ensure negotiations to get a new labor agreement don’t jeopardize a wave of positive momentum.

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Mortgage Rates Rise for Fourth Straight Week

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Mortgage Rates Rise for Fourth Straight Week

Mortgage rates rose for the fourth straight week to the highest level since September, a sharp reversal that threatens to chill the start of the important spring home-buying season.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.38% this week, up from 6.22% last week, Freddie Mac said Thursday.

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