Baseball season is here, and if you’re like millions of fans across the United States, you’re eager to catch every pitch, home run, and exciting play. But as much as we love the sport, one question lingers for many: what channel is baseball on? Whether you’re tuning in to watch your favorite team or catching the thrilling playoff games, knowing where to watch is key. In this guide, we’ll break down all the details you need to easily follow Major League Baseball (MLB) on TV, so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
What Channel is Baseball On? A Look at MLB TV Rights
Before we dive into specific channels, it’s important to understand how the MLB TV rights are distributed across various networks. The MLB has a variety of broadcast agreements, which means that the game you want to watch could be on different channels, depending on factors like region, time of day, and the type of game being played. Here’s a breakdown of the main TV networks that carry MLB games.
Major Channels Broadcasting Baseball Games
ESPN
ESPN is one of the most prominent channels for baseball, particularly for national games. With their Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, ESPN brings top teams into your living room. It’s a must-have channel for fans who want access to big matchups.
Fox Sports
Another staple for baseball fans is Fox Sports. Fox carries several MLB games, including Saturday afternoon games and the much-anticipated World Series. It’s a great channel for catching postseason games and top regular-season matchups.
TBS
If you’re tuning in for playoff action, TBS is a go-to option. TBS is known for broadcasting the MLB postseason, particularly the National League Division Series and National League Championship Series.
NBC Sports
Depending on the region, NBC Sports often broadcasts games. They are also known for airing regional games, particularly for teams in the Northeast.
MLB Network
If you’re a true baseball enthusiast, the MLB Network offers round-the-clock baseball coverage. From live games to expert analysis, it’s a perfect option if you’re looking for all things baseball. It covers a wide range of games and also offers MLB highlights and player interviews.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
For fans who follow specific teams closely, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) are essential. These networks often air games for specific regions, focusing on local MLB teams. Here are a few of the most popular:
- YES Network (New York Yankees)
- SNY (New York Mets)
- NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco Giants)
- Fox Sports Midwest (St. Louis Cardinals)
If you’re in the area of one of these teams, you’ll find that RSNs are great for watching local games and supporting your home team.
Cable and Streaming: What Channel is Baseball On for Cord-Cutters?
With the rise of streaming services, many baseball fans are wondering how to watch MLB without a traditional cable subscription. Fortunately, there are several streaming options available that give you access to what channel is baseball on, without needing a cable box.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV has a solid lineup of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and TBS. This makes it a strong option for fans who want to watch national MLB broadcasts. Additionally, YouTube TV supports local RSNs for regional games, depending on your location. The service offers a free trial, so you can test it out before committing.
Hulu + Live TV
For those looking for an all-in-one streaming option, Hulu + Live TV offers access to ESPN, Fox, and TBS. Hulu is a great choice if you already subscribe to their on-demand streaming platform, and it allows you to stream MLB games across a wide range of devices.
FuboTV
If you’re a baseball fan and you’re looking for a service that specializes in live sports, FuboTV is another fantastic choice. FuboTV offers channels like ESPN, FS1, and TBS, ensuring you won’t miss out on any major games. Plus, it includes access to many local RSNs, making it a great choice for regional coverage.
AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now is another streaming platform with a comprehensive channel lineup, including ESPN, FS1, and TBS. It’s a good option for fans who want a straightforward way to watch what channel is baseball on without too much hassle. It also offers a variety of packages to fit your needs.
MLB.TV
If you’re a true baseball aficionado, MLB.TV is the ultimate streaming option. It gives you access to out-of-market games, meaning you can watch any team, no matter where you live. MLB.TV does not include national broadcasts (such as Sunday Night Baseball or the World Series), but it’s a great option for following your favorite team throughout the season. You can also subscribe to MLB.tv’s Postseason Package for playoff games.
How to Find Local Games: Channel Guide
If you’re wondering what channel is baseball on for local games, the key lies in knowing which Regional Sports Network (RSN) broadcasts games for your team. Local games are often carried by these networks, and if you live near a city with an MLB team, you’ll find games air regularly.
For example:
- The New York Yankees games air on the YES Network.
- The Chicago Cubs games are broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.
- Los Angeles Dodgers games can be found on Spectrum SportsNet LA.
To get more specific details about the regional broadcast schedules, it’s important to check your local listings or consult your cable or streaming service to see which RSN carries the team you want to watch.
Additional Tips for Watching Baseball
Check the Schedule: MLB games are scheduled at different times throughout the day and week. Make sure to check the MLB schedule online or via your cable provider to confirm when your favorite teams are playing.
Use MLB’s Official App: If you’re on the go, download the MLB app. Not only will it provide you with live scores and game updates, but it also offers access to live streaming of games (with a MLB.TV subscription).
Get Alerts: Many streaming services and mobile apps offer push notifications for game reminders and live score updates, so you’ll never miss the action.
Follow on Social Media: Stay updated by following the official MLB channels on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for live updates, highlights, and game announcements.
Why Watching Baseball is Worth It
The question what channel is baseball on might be important, but what truly matters is why the sport continues to captivate millions of fans. From the history and tradition to the excitement of every game, baseball offers something special. Whether it’s a thrilling walk-off home run or a key strikeout in the ninth inning, baseball offers drama and excitement like no other sport.
Plus, with so many ways to watch games, there’s no reason not to enjoy all the action. Whether you’re sitting in front of your TV or streaming from your phone, you can easily follow your team all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Channel is Baseball On Nationally?
Nationally, baseball games are broadcast on several major channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, TBS, and NBC Sports. ESPN features Sunday Night Baseball, while Fox Sports airs Saturday games and the World Series. TBS covers key postseason games, especially the National League playoffs. NBC Sports often broadcasts games in specific regions, so it’s essential to check local listings for regional matchups.
How Can I Watch Local Baseball Games?
Local MLB games are typically broadcast on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), which are specific to different regions and teams. For example, the YES Network broadcasts New York Yankees games, while NBC Sports Chicago airs Chicago Cubs games. To find out which RSN carries your team’s games, check with your cable provider or streaming service.
Can I Watch Baseball Without Cable?
Yes! If you want to watch baseball without a cable subscription, there are several streaming services that offer access to channels broadcasting MLB games. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and AT&T TV Now all include channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and TBS. Additionally, MLB.TV offers a great option for out-of-market games, though it doesn’t include national broadcasts.
What Is MLB.TV and How Does It Work?
MLB.TV is a subscription-based service that allows you to stream out-of-market MLB games. It’s ideal for fans who want to follow a team that isn’t available in their local market. With MLB.TV, you can watch every regular-season game, but it does not include national broadcasts like Sunday Night Baseball or the World Series. The service is available on multiple devices, so you can watch games anytime, anywhere.
Can I Watch MLB Playoffs on TV?
Yes, the MLB postseason is broadcast on several major networks, including TBS and Fox Sports. TBS airs the National League Division and Championship Series, while Fox broadcasts the World Series. These games are also available on streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV, ensuring that you can catch the action whether at home or on the go.
Conclusion
Now that you know what channel is baseball on, you’re all set to enjoy another exciting MLB season. With multiple options available, from cable channels to streaming services, it’s easier than ever to keep up with your favorite teams and players.
So, grab your popcorn, put on your jersey, and settle in to catch every game! Whether it’s a thrilling walk-off home run or a game-winning pitch, don’t miss a moment of the action.