How to Watch MLB Games - Complete Streaming Guide
A comprehensive guide to understanding TV networks, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), and streaming options for the MLB season.
Major League Baseball broadcasts are highly decentralized, with the vast majority of games appearing on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). Understanding where your team plays and how to navigate blackouts is key to watching every pitch.
Overview of MLB Broadcast Rights
MLB games are split between national broadcasts and local market games. National windows are usually on weekends or specific nights of the week.
- FOX & FS1Home to "Baseball Night in America" and many Saturday afternoon games.
- ESPNExclusive home of "Sunday Night Baseball."
- TBSCarries Tuesday night national games and extensive postseason coverage.
- Apple TV+ & RokuApple TV+ has exclusive "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheaders. Roku streams select Sunday morning games.
Watching MLB Games Without Cable
For most fans, the challenge is accessing their local team. Here are the primary legal streaming options:
MLB.tv (Out-of-Market)
The gold standard for out-of-market fans. If you live in California but follow the New York Yankees, MLB.tv allows you to watch every game. However, local blackouts apply, meaning you cannot watch your home team live.
Live TV Streaming Services
- Fubo: Generally the best for RSN coverage, carrying many Bally Sports and NBC Sports regional networks.
- YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV: Great for national networks (ESPN, FOX, TBS) but have limited RSN coverage compared to Fubo.
- Sling TV: A more affordable option for national games, but lacks local channel support in many markets.
How to Know Where a Specific MLB Game Is On
Because schedules shift daily, we recommend checking our live schedule. We track every broadcaster for every MLB game.
Check the MLB Schedule
See confirmed TV channels and streaming options for today's matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch MLB games for free?
MLB occasionally offers a 'Free Game of the Day' on MLB.tv. Additionally, games broadcast on national networks like FOX or ABC can be watched for free with a digital antenna in many markets.
How do MLB blackout rules work?
If a game is being broadcast on a local Regional Sports Network (RSN) in your area, it is typically blacked out on national streaming services like MLB.tv to protect the local broadcaster's exclusive rights.