If you tune your TV to ESPN on the Monday night of All-Star Week expecting to see the game’s biggest sluggers launch baseballs into orbit, you’re going to be greeted by something else. Major League Baseball has moved its iconic Home Run Derby completely off linear cable in one of the biggest sports media shakeups of the year. For the first time ever, the sport’s premiere summer showcase is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
The venue itself is a guaranteed launchpad: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, a stadium famously unkind to pitchers. But the broadcast platform isn’t the only thing changing. With the move to streaming, MLB is also rolling out a format overhaul, completely killing the ticking round timers in favor of a pure, swing-based battle.
Because this isn’t on a traditional sports network, getting the broadcast onto your living room TV requires a quick pivot. I’ve broken down exactly what you need to watch the Derby, whether you’re a standard cable viewer or a dedicated cord-cutter.
What channels show the MLB Home Run Derby?
In 2026, you can watch the Home Run Derby on Netflix. The exclusive live broadcast will start at 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13, with additional coverage beginning earlier at 7:00 p.m. ET.
For international viewers, the cross-border rights look a bit different. If you’re tuning in from Canada, Sportsnet is your go-to home for regional All-Star Week coverage. You can check your local Sportsnet channel listings for live pre-game analysis and updates directly from Philadelphia before the main event begins.
Best ways to watch the MLB Home Run Derby
Transitioning to an exclusive digital broadcast means a traditional live TV streaming package won’t get you access to the Derby on its own. You’ll need a standalone streaming subscription to catch the home run action this year. But pairing that dedicated app with a solid live TV service is the ultimate double play, making sure you don’t miss a minute of the other MLB All-Star Week festivities.
Best for Home Run Derby: Netflix
To watch the Home Run Derby live in the U.S., you simply need an active Netflix subscription. It doesn’t matter if you have the basic Standard with Ads tier ($8.99/mo.) or the Premium 4K plan ($26.99/mo.); all active accounts have unrestricted live access to the Derby stream.
If you dropped your account after your favorite show ended its season, you can resubscribe for a single month to catch the event and cancel afterward. Because Netflix holds the exclusive broadcast rights this year, having the app ready to go on your TV is essential for any baseball fan who wants to see the game’s biggest sluggers go head-to-head.
Best for the Rest of All-Star Week: DIRECTV
Keep in mind that while the Derby is on Netflix, the actual MLB All-Star Game is a completely different story. That marquee matchup returns to traditional television, airing live nationally on FOX (and on Sportsnet in Canada). If you want a complete setup that catches the entire week of festivities, my recommendation is to pair a temporary Netflix subscription with a service like DIRECTV so you have the right access ready to go.
Beyond just the All-Star break, DIRECTV stands out for its excellent local and national MLB coverage in general. The provider offers an industry-leading lineup of regional sports networks (RSNs) alongside all the major national sports channels, making it the perfect live TV package for in-market MLB fans who want to follow their hometown team throughout the regular season.
How to watch the MLB Home Run Derby for free
Because Netflix no longer offers a free trial, there’s no direct way to watch the Home Run Derby completely free of charge.
That said, you might already have a free workaround hidden inside your existing utility bills. The Derby’s title sponsor, T-Mobile, offers the best loophole through its “Netflix on Us” program, which bundles a free subscription into select wireless plans. Other major carriers like Verizon also offer similar streaming perks. If you haven’t activated your benefit yet, log into your mobile account and link it up before the first pitch.
How to watch the MLB Home Run Derby FAQ
Can I watch the MLB Home Run Derby on demand?
Yes. Netflix archives its live sporting events immediately, making the entire broadcast available on demand as soon as the event ends. Additionally, if you tune in late while the Derby is still live, the Netflix player gives you the option to start the stream from the beginning.
Who are the announcers for the MLB Home Run Derby?
For its debut broadcast, Netflix has assembled a star-studded crew. MLB legends Barry Bonds, CC Sabathia, Hunter Pence, and Anthony Rizzo are teaming up with veteran sports broadcasters Elle Duncan, Matt Vasgersian, and Lauren Shehadi to cover the event.
Can I watch the MLB Home Run Derby on MLB.TV?
No. Even if you are an active subscriber to MLB.TV, the live Home Run Derby stream is blacked out on the service within the U.S. and Canada due to Netflix's total exclusivity window. You must use the Netflix app to watch the Derby live.
How do I watch the MLB Home Run Derby in Spanish?
While Netflix hasn't officially confirmed a dedicated Spanish-language commentary team for the Derby, the platform frequently provides alternative audio tracks for its live sports broadcasts. If a Spanish feed is available, simply open the "Audio & Subtitles" menu on your screen when the stream begins and toggle the audio track from English to Spanish.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com contributing writer, Ian McLaren, analyzed Major League Baseball’s exclusive streaming deal with Netflix to map out this year’s Home Run Derby. Because the skills competition has moved entirely to a digital-first platform, Ian broke down exactly what this historic broadcast pivot means for traditional TV viewers and cord-cutters alike. Ultimately, his recommendations serve as a straightforward playbook to help you navigate the new baseball landscape and avoid missing a single moonshot.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
