How To Watch MLB Games in 2026
America's pastime is back, and our sports experts researched and tested the best TV services for watching Major League Baseball games this season.
Major League Baseball is in full swing, with national matchups airing on FOX Sports, TNT Sports, ESPN, NBC, and Apple TV. But if you want to follow your local team, you’ll need access to its regional sports network (RSN) or a league-operated streaming package for the most coverage.
I recommend DIRECTV as the best TV provider for watching the 2026 MLB season. Its CHOICE™ plan and above include every core MLB channel, plus a wide selection of RSNs, and you can bundle premium streaming services for even greater league coverage. It’s an expensive investment, no matter which of its satellite or live TV streaming packages you choose. But it’s still the best route for true-blue hardball fans.
In this guide, I’ll break down the must-have channels for watching MLB this season and highlight the top TV providers for the job. If you’re after the most coverage or the best bang for your buck, I’ll help you find the right play.
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 show MLB games?
You can watch nationally televised MLB games on FOX, FS1, TBS, ESPN, NBC, and MLB Network.
Streaming platforms are also stepping up to the plate. This season, NBC and Peacock act as the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball and the Wild Card playoff round. Netflix will exclusively stream Opening Night, the Home Run Derby, and the Field of Dreams Game. Apple TV still delivers two exclusive Friday Night Baseball games each week, and MLB Sunday Leadoff games are back on Peacock.
Occasionally, ABC, ESPN2, and truTV air MLB games nationwide. MLB Network Strike Zone is also available through select TV providers for live look-ins on Wednesday and Friday nights.
Want baseball en Español? Channels like ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, TUDN, UniMás, and Univision show some MLB games with Spanish-language commentary.
How does MLB regional coverage work?
Every team has an in-market viewing option that broadcasts to its dedicated territory defined by the MLB. When games aren’t airing exclusively on national channels or streaming platforms, they appear live on RSNs, local affiliates, or league-run channels. Out of a grueling 162-game season, your local network will often broadcast over 140 of those matchups.
You can enter your zip code into DIRECTV’s Regional Sports Channel Locator to see which RSNs are available in your area and which teams they cover. It’s a helpful tool that’s available to everyone, not just DIRECTV subscribers.
Ultimately, if you live within your favorite team’s broadcast territory, you’ll need access to that team’s RSN or MLB.TV single-team package to watch their regular-season games. Otherwise, you must opt for an out-of-market TV package like MLB EXTRA INNINGS (for cable and satellite users) or MLB.TV (for streaming users).
2026 MLB TV schedule: Key events and channels
With thousands of MLB games happening each season, there’s no shortage of action for baseball fans. That’s why it’s crucial to bookmark the official MLB schedule and keep tabs on the important dates listed below.
| Event | Start date | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| MLB Spring Training | Friday, Feb. 20 | MLB Network, ESPN, ESPN+, RSNs |
| MLB Opening Night | Wednesday, March 25 | Netflix |
| MLB Opening Day | Thursday, March 26 | Various |
| 2026 MLB Draft | Saturday, July 11 | MLB Network, NBC, Peacock |
| 2026 MLB All-Star Game | Tuesday, July 14 | FOX |
| MLB Little League Classic | Sunday, Aug. 23 | ESPN |
| MLB Playoffs | Tuesday, Sept. 29 | FOX, FS1, TBS, NBC |
| World Series | Friday, Oct. 23 | FOX |
Best ways to watch MLB games
- Editor’s Choice: DIRECTV ($89.99–$169.99/mo.)*
- Most Customizable: Sling TV ($19.99–$60.99/mo.) w/ Sports Extra ($11–$15/mo.)
- Best for Out-of-Market Fans: MLB.TV ($29.99/mo.)
- Cheapest: OTA antenna ($20.00–$60.00, one-time purchase)
Editor’s Choice: DIRECTV
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Pros
- Widest regional sports network access
- Robust premium add-on selection
- Unlimited Cloud DVR storage
Cons
- Expensive monthly plans
- Hidden regional sports fees
DIRECTV‘s CHOICE plan ($94.99/mo.*) is my top streaming recommendation for diehard baseball fans. It gives you a complete cable experience over your home Wi-Fi network, eliminating long-term contracts and the need for a bulky satellite dish.
With the CHOICE plan, you get every core national MLB channel and massive RSN coverage, making it the most reliable way to watch your local team’s national and in-market games. Just keep in mind that coverage varies by team and location, and DIRECTV tacks on a hidden regional sports fee for RSN access.
To catch broadcasts exclusive to other streaming platforms, you can add Apple TV, Netflix, and Peacock Premium directly to your DIRECTV account. This creates a nearly fully integrated viewing experience that’s ideal for anyone looking to manage their entire TV bill under one single service.
If you want out-of-market games, DIRECTV includes ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost for Signature Package customers—including CHOICE subscribers. Since MLB.TV is now part of the ESPN ecosystem, your ESPN Unlimited status lets you sign up for MLB.TV at a discounted rate. Meanwhile, if you opt for DIRECTV’s traditional satellite service instead, you can add MLB EXTRA INNINGS directly to your channel guide.
There’s no getting around the premium price tag. But if you want a reliable, all-in-one hub to catch every single pitch this season, DIRECTV is the undisputed MVP of MLB viewing.
Most Customizable: Sling TV
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Low prices
- No contract
- Customizable packages
Cons
- Limited local channels and zero RSNs
- DVR upgrades cost extra
Sling TV offers the best value for casual MLB fans. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll be able to watch every nationally televised MLB game for a lower monthly cost than DIRECTV.
There are no RSNs, but Sling TV offers customizable plans with no contracts. If you want a basic slice of the MLB season, or you just want to watch the MLB Playoffs, you can sign up for the Sling TV plan of your choosing and cancel once the season is over.
If you want every national MLB channel, you’ll want to go with the Sling Orange & Blue plan ($60.99/mo.) with the Sports Extra add-on ($15.00/mo.). This will get you FOX and NBC in select markets, as well as FS1, TBS, ESPN, MLB Network, and MLB Network Strike Zone. You’ll pay roughly $76 a month total, which is significantly cheaper than DIRECTV’s CHOICE plan ($94.99/mo.), and that’s before you tack on DIRECTV’s RSN fee.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans: MLB.TV
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Home and away team broadcast feeds
- Access to every MLB game replay
- Live in-game stats overlay
Cons
- High price for casual fans
- No live in-market or nationally televised games
Out of all the standalone MLB streaming options, MLB.TV‘s All Teams plan is the best simply because it gives you the highest volume of MLB games. It operates primarily as an out-of-market streaming service, meaning you can’t watch your local team play live. But their games become available on MLB.TV 90 minutes after they end.
Starting this season, ESPN is the exclusive distributor of MLB.TV. This means new subscribers will purchase and stream the out-of-market package directly through the ESPN app. That said, returning subscribers and existing users can still access their streams through the standard MLB app.
MLB.TV includes some solid features, such as DVR controls for live games, home and away TV and radio broadcast feeds, and hundreds of on-demand highlights, classic games, and documentaries. You also get MLB Network and MLB+ (formerly MLB At Bat) included with your subscription—featuring audio access to every game regardless of blackouts and live video of 7,000+ Minor League Baseball games.
How to watch Spring Training games
Spring Training games can be trickier to find on TV, but some of your local team’s preseason games should air on your RSN. MLB Network also carries select Spring Training games—though local blackouts may apply.
Some Spring Training games appear on ESPN‘s networks and platforms, including ESPN Unlimited. MLB.TV also gets in on the warm-weather coverage, but you’re best off checking your favorite team’s official website and Spring Training schedule for complete broadcasting details. Otherwise, you can hit the button below to read my comprehensive Spring Training viewing guide.
How to watch MLB games for free
The easiest way to watch MLB games for free is by purchasing an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to catch FOX and NBC broadcasts. Sure, you have to pay for the antenna itself. But once you do, your wallet can return to the dugout.
Not many MLB games air on FOX and NBC. But you’ll get crucial broadcasts, including the MLB All-Star Game, Sunday Night Baseball, and the World Series. Before going the antenna route, I recommend entering your zip code on Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator to determine which stations are available in your area.
Another free option is to create an MLB.com account to stream the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day. During most days of the regular season, one game is available to watch for free online, as highlighted by MLB’s live game schedule.
How to watch MLB games FAQ
Can I watch blackout MLB games in my area?
Yes, you can watch local MLB games blacked out in your area with a TV plan that includes your regional sports network (RSN). Any non-nationally televised game featuring your local team will air on the RSN. For out-of-market games not televised in your region, you'll need an MLB.TV (streaming) or MLB EXTRA INNINGS (cable/satellite) subscription.
How can I watch MLB games for free?
Most of the MLB season happens on pay-cable channels, but you can watch some weekend and playoff games for free on FOX and NBC using a digital antenna. The MLB.TV Free Game of the Day also airs most days during the regular season. You can view the game on MLB.com or through the MLB app by creating a free MLB.com account. Blackout rules still apply.
What channel is MLB TV?
MLB.TV is not a TV channel. It's a streaming subscription distributed through the ESPN app that carries live out-of-market MLB games throughout the regular season. The league's dedicated TV channel is MLB Network, which is available through most major TV providers except YouTube TV.
Can I watch MLB games on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, you can stream select MLB games on Amazon Prime Video through the HBO Max and Peacock Premium channel add-ons. Meanwhile, in-market subscribers around the New York area get select Yankees games through Prime Video.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, is a lifelong baseball fan with a sharp eye for TV deals and broadcast changeups. Over the last several seasons, he has logged hundreds of hours watching games across multiple cable and streaming platforms to map out the complicated MLB landscape.
Drawing on that deep expertise, Taylor rigorously compared top TV providers to determine which plans offer the best mix of national channels, regional sports networks, and out-of-market access. He also evaluated each service based on pricing, hidden fees, and contracts to make sure fans get the best possible value.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
*ENTERTAINMENT: ($99.99/mo. w/req’d $10/mo. TV Access Fee) w/24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. One-time $49.95 activation fee is extra and applies. CHOICE: ($124.98/mo. w/req’d $10/mo. TV Access Fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo.agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. One-time $49.95 activation fee is extra and applies. ULTIMATE: ($154.98/mo. w/req’d $10/mo. TV Access Fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo.agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. One-time $49.95 activation fee is extra and applies. PREMIER™: ($199.98/mo. w/req’d $10/mo. TV Access Fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. One-time $49.95 activation fee is extra and applies..
**Blackout rules and other conditions apply.
†Amazon.com price as of 2/19/25 11:00 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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