ESPN picks Flo Rida’s “What a Night” as Sunday Night Baseball anthem

As baseball season kicks into high gear, ESPN has introduced a new anthem for its Sunday Night Baseball promotions. This year’s pick is a spin on the classic “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, called “What a Night” by Flo Rida. The song is not only being used in promotional content, but is also played during live games.

ESPN has been selecting a new anthem for Sunday Night Baseball each year since 2020, and the tradition has become a fan favorite. According to Emeka Ofodile, VP of Sports Marketing at ESPN, the anthem serves as a way for the company to “give more access points for people to connect into the baseball story.”

Previous anthems for Sunday Night Baseball have included “Way Less Sad” by indie pop trio AJR and “Sunday” by indie singer-songwriter Ben Rector. ESPN’s marketing team works closely with the network’s music directors and creative studio, as well as record labels, to identify songs that encapsulate the “upbeat,” “joyful,” and “family-friendly” vibes they want to convey.

This year’s choice, “What a Night,” is a departure from the previous indie artist selections, but still fits the desired tone. Ofodile notes that the song is both nostalgic and modern, making it the “perfect metaphor for what’s happening in baseball right now.” With its nod to baseball’s history and efforts to modernize the sport, the song resonates with both older and younger generations of fans.

ESPN’s exclusive rights to Sunday Night Baseball, as part of a $4 billion deal with Major League Baseball, give the network a unique opportunity to connect with fans and promote the sport. And with the selection of a new anthem each year, ESPN keeps things fresh and exciting for viewers tuning in to watch America’s pastime.