After returning to the playoffs in 2025, it was finally fun again to watch the Chicago Cubs.
Yes, Chicago lost in a tough five-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. But that run has me so excited to follow the team in 2026.
With renewed energy and the potential for an even deeper playoff push, it’s time to rally behind the Cubbies. Keep reading to learn how to watch the Chicago Cubs live on TV this season, from Wrigley Field showdowns to thrilling road games.
Spring into baseball with DIRECTV!
DIRECTV has the most MLB games, including Spring Training, period.* Not only that, but this season you can catch the World Baseball Classic and tons of college ball streaming on your favorite devices. With so much live action on deck, it's time to get your game together by scouting DIRECTV's packages today.
*Claim based on total games carried on Nat'l and combined local Regional Sports Networks. RSNs avail. with CHOICE package or higher. Avail. of RSNs varies by ZIP code and pkg. Blackouts apply.
What channels have Chicago Cubs games?
Most Chicago Cubs games air locally on Marquee Sports Network, except for select nationally televised matchups. Those games air nationwide on NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network, with some streaming on Apple TV and Peacock.
Out-of-market viewers need MLB.TV or MLB EXTRA INNINGS to watch games on Marquee Sports Network.
Pro tip: MLB At Bat has home and away audio broadcasts of every Chicago Cubs game without blackout restrictions. You can also listen to games on select AM and FM stations across the Midwest via the Chicago Cubs Radio Network.
How to watch Chicago Cubs Spring Training games
Marquee Sports Network will broadcast the majority of the Chicago Cubs’ Spring Training games, including most Sloan Park matchups. Depending on your location, select games may also air live on MLB Network.
The 2026 Cactus League kicks off on Friday, February 20, when the Cubs take on the Chicago White Sox in a crosstown rivalry. With a jam-packed spring schedule featuring 31 games, this preseason promises plenty of action to gear us up for the regular season.
Check out the full Cubs Spring Training TV schedule below.
2026 Chicago Cubs Spring Training schedule
| Opponent | Day | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago White Sox | Friday, Feb. 20 | 3:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| Texas Rangers | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 3:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| At San Francisco Giants | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Kansas City Royals | Monday, Feb. 23 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| San Diego Padres | Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Colorado Rockies | Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Los Angeles Angels | Thursday, Feb. 26 | 3:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Cleveland Guardians | Friday, Feb. 27 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Los Angeles DodgersSS | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Chicago White Sox | Sunday, March 1 | 3:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Monday, March 2 | 3:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday, March 4 | 3:10 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Thursday, March 5 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Diego Padres | Friday, March 6 | 8:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Oakland AthleticsSS | Saturday, March 7 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| San Francisco Giants | Sunday, March 8 | 4:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| At Texas Rangers | Tuesday, March 10 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Kansas City Royals | Wednesday, March 11 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Seattle Mariners | Thursday, March 12 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Chicago White Sox | Friday, March 13 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Colorado RockiesSS | Saturday, March 14 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles DodgersSS | Sunday, March 15 | 4:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| At Cleveland Guardians | Monday, March 16 | 9:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Angels | Tuesday, March 17 | 9:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday, March 18 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Oakland AthleticsSS | Friday, March 20 | 4:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| Cincinnati RedsSS | Friday, March 20 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Seattle Mariners | Saturday, March 21 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Spring Breakout: Cubs Prospects vs. Padres Prospects | Saturday, March 21 | 9:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Sunday, March 22 | 3:05 p.m. | Marquee Sports Network |
| New York Yankees | Monday, March 23 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Yankees | Tuesday, March 24 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
Data effective as of post date.
SS indicates a split-squad game.
2026 Chicago Cubs TV schedule
The Chicago Cubs start their 2026 season with six straight games at Wrigley Field—series against the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels. The season ends with a three-game road series against the Boston Red Sox.
As the season unfolds, you can expect thrilling matchups against National League rivals and American League powerhouses. So, mark your calendars because I’ve laid out the full TV schedule below, complete with start times and channel listings.
| Opponent | Day | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
March |
|||
| Washington Nationals | Thursday, March 26 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Washington Nationals | Saturday, March 28 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Washington Nationals | Sunday, March 29 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Angels | Monday, March 30 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Angels | Tuesday, March 31 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
|
April |
|||
| Los Angeles Angels | Wednesday, April 1 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cleveland Guardians | Friday, April 3 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cleveland Guardians | Saturday, April 4 | 7:15 p.m. | FOX |
| At Cleveland Guardians | Sunday, April 5 | 1:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Tampa Bay Rays | Monday, April 6 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Tampa Bay Rays | Tuesday, April 7 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Tampa Bay Rays | Wednesday, April 8 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Friday, April 10 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday, April 11 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Sunday, April 12 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Philadelphia Phillies | Monday, April 13 | 6:40 p.m. | FS1 |
| At Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday, April 14 | 6:40 p.m. | TBS |
| At Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday, April 15 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Mets | Friday, April 17 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Mets | Saturday, April 18 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Mets | Sunday, April 19 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Philadelphia Phillies | Monday, April 20 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Philadelphia Phillies | Tuesday, April 21 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Philadelphia Phillies | Wednesday, April 22 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Philadelphia Phillies | Thursday, April 23 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Los Angeles Dodgers | Friday, April 24 | 10:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Los Angeles Dodgers | Saturday, April 25 | 7:15 p.m. | FOX |
| At Los Angeles Dodgers | Sunday, April 26 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Diego Padres | Monday, April 27 | 9:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Diego Padres | Tuesday, April 28 | 9:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Diego Padres | Wednesday, April 29 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
|
May |
|||
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Friday, May 1 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Saturday, May 2 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Sunday, May 3 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Monday, May 4 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Tuesday, May 5 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Wednesday, May 6 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Thursday, May 7 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Texas Rangers | Friday, May 8 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Texas Rangers | Saturday, May 9 | 7:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Texas Rangers | Sunday, May 10 | 2:35 p.m. | TBA |
| At Atlanta Braves | Tuesday, May 12 | 7:15 p.m. | TBA |
| At Atlanta Braves | Wednesday, May 13 | 7:15 p.m. | TBA |
| At Atlanta Braves | Thursday, May 14 | 7:15 p.m. | TBA |
| At Chicago White Sox | Friday, May 15 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Chicago White Sox | Saturday, May 16 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Chicago White Sox | Sunday, May 17 | 2:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Monday, May 18 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday, May 19 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday, May 20 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Houston Astros | Friday, May 22 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Houston Astros | Saturday, May 23 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Houston Astros | Sunday, May 24 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Monday, May 25 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Tuesday, May 26 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Wednesday, May 27 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Thursday, May 28 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Friday, May 29 | 8:15 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday, May 30 | 7:15 p.m. | FOX |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Sunday, May 31 | 7:20 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
|
June |
|||
| Athletics | Tuesday, June 2 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Athletics | Wednesday, June 3 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Athletics | Thursday, June 4 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| San Francisco Giants | Friday, June 5 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| San Francisco Giants | Saturday, June 6 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| San Francisco Giants | Sunday, June 7 | 8:20 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| At Colorado Rockies | Tuesday, June 9 | 8:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Colorado Rockies | Wednesday, June 10 | 8:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Colorado Rockies | Thursday, June 11 | 3:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Francisco Giants | Friday, June 12 | 10:15 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Francisco Giants | Saturday, June 13 | 10:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At San Francisco Giants | Sunday, June 14 | 3:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Colorado Rockies | Monday, June 15 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Colorado Rockies | Tuesday, June 16 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Colorado Rockies | Wednesday, June 17 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Toronto Blue Jays | Friday, June 19 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Toronto Blue Jays | Saturday, June 20 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Toronto Blue Jays | Sunday, June 21 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At New York Mets | Monday, June 22 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At New York Mets | Tuesday, June 23 | 7:10 p.m. | TBS |
| At New York Mets | Wednesday, June 24 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At New York Mets | Thursday, June 25 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Friday, June 26 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Saturday, June 27 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Sunday, June 28 | 2:10 p.m. | TBA |
| San Diego Padres | Monday, June 29 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| San Diego Padres | Tuesday, June 30 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
|
July |
|||
| San Diego Padres | Wednesday, July 1 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Friday, July 3 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday, July 4 | 8:08 p.m. | FOX |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Sunday, July 5 | 2:30 p.m. | Peacock |
| At Baltimore Orioles | Tuesday, July 7 | 6:35 p.m. | TBA |
| At Baltimore Orioles | Wednesday, July 8 | 6:35 p.m. | TBA |
| At Baltimore Orioles | Thursday, July 9 | 6:35 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Friday, July 10 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Saturday, July 11 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Sunday, July 12 | 1:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Home Run Derby | Monday, July 13 | 8:00 p.m. | Netflix |
| MLB All-Star Game | Tuesday, July 14 | 8:00 p.m. | FOX, Fox Deportes |
| Minnesota Twins | Friday, July 17 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Minnesota Twins | Saturday, July 18 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Minnesota Twins | Sunday, July 19 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Detroit Tigers | Monday, July 20 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Detroit Tigers | Tuesday, July 21 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Detroit Tigers | Wednesday, July 22 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Friday, July 24 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday, July 25 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Pittsburgh Pirates | Sunday, July 26 | 1:35 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Monday, July 27 | 7:45 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Tuesday, July 28 | 7:45 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Wednesday, July 29 | 7:45 p.m. | TBA |
| At St. Louis Cardinals | Thursday, July 30 | 2:15 p.m. | TBA |
| New York Yankees | Friday, July 31 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
|
August |
|||
| New York Yankees | Saturday, Aug. 1 | 7:15 p.m. | FOX |
| New York Yankees | Sunday, Aug. 2 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Monday, Aug. 3 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Kansas City Royals | Friday, Aug. 7 | 8:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Kansas City Royals | Saturday, Aug. 8 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Kansas City Royals | Sunday, Aug. 9 | 2:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Washington Nationals | Tuesday, Aug. 11 | 6:45 p.m. | TBA |
| At Washington Nationals | Wednesday, Aug. 12 | 6:45 p.m. | TBA |
| At Washington Nationals | Thursday, Aug. 13 | 4:05 p.m. | TBA |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Friday, Aug. 14 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Saturday, Aug. 15 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| St. Louis Cardinals | Sunday, Aug. 16 | 3:10 p.m. | TBA |
| Chicago White Sox | Monday, Aug. 17 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Chicago White Sox | Tuesday, Aug. 18 | 8:05 p.m. | TBA |
| Chicago White Sox | Wednesday, Aug. 19 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Seattle Mariners | Friday, Aug. 21 | 10:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Seattle Mariners | Saturday, Aug. 22 | 9:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Seattle Mariners | Sunday, Aug. 23 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Arizona Diamondbacks | Monday, Aug. 24 | 9:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Arizona Diamondbacks | Tuesday, Aug. 25 | 9:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Arizona Diamondbacks | Wednesday, Aug. 26 | 3:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Friday, Aug. 28 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Cincinnati Reds | Sunday, Aug. 30 | 3:10 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Monday, Aug. 31 | 7:40 p.m. | FS1 |
|
September |
|||
| Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday, Sept. 2 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Miami Marlins | Friday, Sept. 4 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Miami Marlins | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 4:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Miami Marlins | Sunday, Sept. 6 | 1:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Monday, Sept. 7 | 2:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Milwaukee Brewers | Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Friday, Sept. 11 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Sunday, Sept. 13 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| Atlanta Braves | Monday, Sept. 14 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Atlanta Braves | Tuesday, Sept. 15 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Atlanta Braves | Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Friday, Sept. 18 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 6:40 p.m. | TBA |
| At Cincinnati Reds | Sunday, Sept. 20 | 1:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Miami Marlins | Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Miami Marlins | Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 7:40 p.m. | TBA |
| Miami Marlins | Thursday, Sept. 24 | 2:20 p.m. | TBA |
| At Boston Red Sox | Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:10 p.m. | TBA |
| At Boston Red Sox | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:15 p.m. | FOX |
| At Boston Red Sox | Sunday, Sept. 27 | 3:05 p.m. | TBA |
Data effective as of post date. *If necessary
Best TV plans for watching the Chicago Cubs
Fans who want to watch as many Cubbies games as possible can choose from two options: a traditional cable or satellite plan, or a streaming service. I give my recommendations for those two categories below.
- Best Live TV Plan – DIRECTV: Fans can get either the satellite or streaming version of DIRECTV. Either way, the provider offers Marquee Sports Network on Channel 664, so that takes care of most Cubs games. Additionally, it offers FOX, FS1, NBC, and TBS—where other Cubs games will air in 2026.
- Best Standalone Subscription – Marquee Sports Network: If you’re a local who flies the W in your bedroom window, I suggest you subscribe to your regional sports network. You’ll get every regular-season game not on national TV for a low price.
How to watch the Chicago Cubs FAQ
How can I watch the Chicago Cubs for free?
You can watch games on networks like FOX and NBC for free using an over-the-air antenna. If that's not your thing, you can get a free trial to DIRECTV or Fubo, but those last a short time.
Can I watch Cubs games on Amazon Prime?
No, out-of-market Cubs fans can no longer watch games on Amazon Prime Video because ESPN has taken over the distribution of MLB.TV.
Are Cubs games on Sling TV?
Yes, you can watch nationally televised Cubs games on Sling TV. But you’ll need the Sling Orange + Blue plan to get ESPN and FOX Sports channels together. MLB Network and MLB Network Strike Zone are available in the Sports Extra add-on.
Where can I watch the Iowa Cubs game?
Some Iowa Cubs games air on Marquee Sports Network. But most Minor League Baseball games stream on MLB At Bat via MLB.TV—including most matchups featuring the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com sports editor, Taylor Kujawa, listed every Chicago Cubs game this season and researched local and national broadcast details. Using that information, he chose the best TV services for watching games by analyzing prices, channel guides, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
