Sunday Night Baseball is kicking off, and we’re here for it. Beginning in 2026, NBC and Peacock take over as the new home for MLB’s premier weekly showcase, marking a major return for the network that defined televised baseball for generations. By reclaiming a marquee window, NBC is once again making Sunday nights the undisputed appointment viewing for America’s pastime.
NBC’s version of the franchise dives headfirst into star power and storylines. The schedule is packed with rivalry games, postseason rematches, and megawatt names like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, alongside classic matchups like Yankees–Red Sox and Cubs–Cardinals. Add in holiday exclusives and live whip-around coverage, and you have every reason to watch Sunday Night Baseball in 2026.
What may trip viewers up is how NBC is rolling out this package across its platforms. But that’s where I come in. Keep reading as I outline exactly where to tune in each week of the MLB calendar.
What channel is Sunday Night Baseball on?
You can watch Sunday Night Baseball across NBC and Peacock. The biggest matchups of the season air live on NBC, giving the franchise true broadcast reach on Sunday nights. These marquee games are also simulcast on Peacock Premium, so you can stream every pitch even without a cable subscription.
The 2026 schedule includes several Peacock-exclusive broadcasts, particularly early in the season or during crowded sports weekends. In these cases, NBC will not carry the game, but most exclusives will simulcast on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) where available.
¿Prefieres español? NBCUniversal offers dedicated Spanish-language coverage for Sunday Night Baseball on UNIVERSO. You can also switch to a Spanish-language audio track directly within Peacock.
Sunday Night Baseball TV schedule
Sunday Night Baseball runs weekly throughout the MLB regular season, typically occupying the 7:00 p.m. ET window. The action kicks off with a high-profile debut in late March and settles into a steady rhythm through September, with additional spotlight games sprinkled around special events.
Beyond the standard Sunday night slot, NBC’s package includes Opening Day exclusives, holiday windows, and a special Star-Spangled Sunday showcase in July. But keep in mind that late-season matchups are subject to flex scheduling. That means start times and channel listings can shift to make sure the most critical playoff races take the national spotlight.
2026 Sunday Night Baseball games, times, and channels
Best TV plans for watching Sunday Night Baseball
With Sunday Night Baseball now on the NBC family of networks, you’re no longer trapped in a rigid cable contract just to catch the game of the week. This broadcast shift gives you greater flexibility to choose a TV setup that fits your budget and viewing habits.
Just like Sunday Night Basketball and Sunday Night Football—two staples of the NBC Sports universe—tuning in is easier than ever. Whether you prefer a lean standalone streaming subscription or a robust live TV plan with more MLB coverage, you have multiple viewing options. Here are my top two recommendations to get you started.
Best overall: Peacock
If your goal is to catch every Sunday Night Baseball game without juggling channels or guessing where the broadcast lands each week, Peacock is non-negotiable. It’s the only platform that carries NBC Sports’ full MLB lineup, including Sunday Leadoff matchups and special event coverage.
For just $10.99–$16.99/mo., a premium Peacock subscription gets you through the entire season without a live TV contract. Of course, that’s just a slice of MLB coverage. But if you support a team that airs on an NBC Sports Regional Network, you can now purchase a streaming add-on for your local channel directly through Peacock.
This upgrade gives you access to your team’s nightly local broadcasts alongside the national Sunday Night Baseball slate—making Peacock a powerful one-stop shop for cord-cutters in those markets.
Best live TV service: YouTube TV
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is a standout option for anyone seeking a comprehensive live TV package that goes beyond MLB’s Sunday nights. It secures your access to Sunday Night Baseball via local NBC stations and NBCSN, while also delivering other national broadcast partners like FOX, ESPN, and TBS. The only major gap in the traditional TV lineup is the absence of MLB Network. If that channel is a must-have for your household, check out our How To Watch MLB Network guide for a list of providers that carry it.
Where YouTube TV truly shines is its user experience, particularly for sports fans juggling multiple events. The unlimited DVR storage is a lifesaver for games that run into extra innings, while the Key Plays feature lets you catch up on crucial moments without scrubbing through hours of footage. Best of all, the multiview function lets you watch up to four streams at once—ideal for busy Sundays when baseball overlaps with other major sports.
How to watch Sunday Night Baseball for free
There’s no fully free, no-strings-attached way to watch every Sunday Night Baseball game in 2026. But there are a couple of legitimate workarounds depending on how the schedule breaks that week.
Antenna TV
When a matchup airs on NBC, you can watch it for free with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. NBC broadcasts those games over the air, so if you’re within range of a local affiliate, you won’t need a TV subscription of any kind.
I recommend using Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator to see if you’re within range of an NBC station. If so, head over to our Best OTA Antennas guide for a breakdown of the top-rated indoor and outdoor models.
Live TV free trials
Free streaming is more limited. Peacock doesn’t offer a free tier for live sports, so most exclusive Sunday Night Baseball games require a paid subscription.
That said, if you need a short-term fix, you can take advantage of free trials from live TV streaming services. YouTube TV is a smart play because it carries local NBC stations and NBCSN, which often simulcasts the Peacock-exclusive games that aren’t on standard broadcast TV.
How to watch Sunday Night Baseball FAQ
Is Sunday Night Baseball still on ESPN?
No. As of the 2026 season, NBC and Peacock are the exclusive homes for Sunday Night Baseball. While ESPN continues to air other MLB games throughout the season, the premier Sunday night time slot has officially shifted to NBC Sports.
Are Sunday Night Baseball games blacked out?
No. Unlike games on regional sports networks, which are subject to local restrictions, Sunday Night Baseball is a national broadcast. This means you can watch the game live on NBC or Peacock regardless of where you live in the U.S., even if your local team is playing.
Who are the announcers for Sunday Night Baseball?
NBC has brought back legendary broadcaster Bob Costas to anchor the studio coverage. The in-game commentary team rotates weekly, featuring top NBC Sports play-by-play voices paired with former MLB stars and guest analysts depending on the matchup.
Can I watch Sunday Night Baseball replays on demand?
Yes, full-game replays are available on Peacock after the live broadcast for games it carries. They'll also end up on MLB.TV, but they may take longer to show up there. If you record games through a live TV service with cloud DVR, you can also replay NBC or NBCSN broadcasts that way.
