Baseball has a long season and a busy October. Games are spread across broadcast networks, cable channels, streaming services and team networks — and MLB's national TV deals were reshuffled for 2026. Here's how to catch the games you care about without cable.
Rights changed recently. MLB signed new national TV deals starting in 2026, and local rights are changing in many markets. Always check MLB's schedule and your team's website for where each game airs.
Postseason and World Series
October baseball is split among national partners:
- FOX and FS1 — a large share of the postseason, including the World Series on FOX
- TBS (TNT Sports) — playoff series
- Other national partners — some early-round games have moved to new partners under the 2026 deals
Free option: games on FOX can be watched free with an HD antenna. Paid option: a live TV service that includes FS1 and TBS, or the streaming home of each partner.
National regular-season games
National games appear on broadcast and cable networks and on streaming services during the season, including a weekly Sunday night game and special events. Check each week's schedule — they move around.
Your local team
Most regular-season games for your local team air on a regional sports network, a local broadcast station, or a team or league streaming option. MLB has been taking over local TV for several teams, offering games directly to fans in those markets.
Search "[your team name] how to watch" on your team's site to find your exact options.
Out-of-market fans: MLB.TV
If you follow a team from another city, MLB.TV streams out-of-market games live. Local-market and national games may be blacked out, so combine it with an antenna and a live service.
The cheapest combinations
- October-only fan: an antenna for FOX + one month of a service with FS1 and TBS
- Local-team fan: your team's local option (network app, team streaming or local station)
- Out-of-market fan: MLB.TV (single-team plan) + antenna
- Casual fan: an antenna for national games on FOX
Nearly everything is month to month, so subscribe only when your team is playing. Looking for ESPN too? Here's the cheapest way to watch ESPN.
Watching the game in a group
Baseball is a great social sport. A bigger screen and good sound make a big difference — see our budget home theater guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch the World Series without cable?
The World Series airs on FOX, which you can watch free with an HD antenna or through a live TV streaming service that includes FOX.
What channels show MLB playoff games?
Postseason games air on FOX, FS1, TBS and other national partners depending on the round. Check MLB's schedule for each series.
Can I watch my local team on MLB.TV?
Usually not live. Local-market games are blacked out on MLB.TV and shown by your team's local broadcaster or streaming option instead.
What's the cheapest way to watch baseball?
Use an antenna for games on FOX and other broadcast networks, then add only the service that carries your team, month to month.
