The MLB Network is a 24-hour sports broadcasting network that focuses entirely on Major League Baseball. Baseball superfans receive a solid dose of MLB coverage that includes commentary shows, game recaps, original programming, and live games. That way you’ll catch all of the latest updates, and hot takes on MLB NOW or later on MLB Tonight, as well as live regular season and postseason games with analysis from Al Leiter, Bob Costas, Peter Gammons, Harold Reynolds, Ken Rosenthal, and more.
Want to find out how to watch MLB Network without cable? Then, you’re in the right place — find out how below!
Ways to watch MLB Network
The MLB Network is a one-stop-shop for all things baseball. Keep up on the latest highlights and league news with weekday shows like High Heat, Hot Stove, Intentional Talk, and Play Ball. The MLB Network’s shows are even becoming more interactive. For example, the show #SandlotToTheShow lets athletes send or tag videos of their swing or windup to Instagram or Twitter to have analyzed by MLB Network professionals.
In order to stream the MLB Network online and to your various devices, you’ll need a subscription to an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service. With an OTT streaming service, you won’t be burdened by hidden costs or contracts. Here are the top cable-alternatives that every baseball fan should know.
But before moving on, we should highlight a close runner up — Hulu + Live TV. You, unfortunately, won’t find MLB Network on Hulu but it does have the Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1, and more. To learn more about the channels and features that come with Hulu + Live TV, make a pitstop at our full review.
Now, here’s how to stream MLB Network without cable.
Get MLB Network
Below we list the top streaming services that stream live MLB games. See which one suits you and your needs.
fuboTV offers MLB Network plus other premium sports channels
Top pick for sports fans — yet, lacks key baseball channels
fuboTV presents a few unique plans that include a base Family plan ($74.99/mo.), premium Elite plan ($84.99/mo.), and Spanish-language “fubo Latino” plan ($29.99/mo.). You’ll need the Elite plan for MLB Network along with other upgraded sports channels like ACCN, NBA TV, NHL Network, PAC-12 Networks, and SEC Network. The Elite plan is also the preferred package for sports fans because of its 1,000-hour cloud DVR storage, which far outweighs the Family and fubo Latino 250-hour storage capacity. fuboTV may seem like it has it all, but it’s actually missing both TBS and TNT, which broadcast MLB and NBA games live.
Like most cable-replacement services, available local channels depend on your market area. These channels and regional sports networks (RSNs) are essential to a well-balanced sports diet. fuboTV typically covers the bases with ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Find out the full list of channels and features available with fuboTV’s plans on our fuboTV review.
Stream MLB Network and 10+ sports channels on Sling TV
Personalize your package with extra sports channels
Sling TV is a build-your-own package kind of cable-alternative service. First, Sling TV starts you out with one of two plans Sling Orange ($40/mo.) or Sling Blue ($40/mo.). Sling Orange has over 30 channels like ESPN, ESPN 2, and the Disney Channel, whereas Sling Blue holds 40+ channels — but instead of the ESPN Networks and Disney Channel, you’ll get NBC Sports, NFL Network, and FS1. You can combine all the channels and features from Sling Orange and Sling Blue, including Sling Orange’s 1 screen and Sling Blue’s 3 simultaneous screens, into Sling Orange + Blue for $50/mo.
To gain the MLB Network, you’ll need to upgrade your plan with the Sports Extra add-on. For an extra $11/mo., you’ll get MLB Network along with several other sports networks like ESPNU, Longhorn Network, MLB Strike Zone, NBA TV, and NHL Network. Depending on where you live, you could get some local channels and RSNs. These may include channel affiliates for Fox, NBC, and more.
If you want to learn more about how you can customize your packages with Sling TV, we recommend our Sling TV review.
Watch local and national sports channels with YouTube TV
A solid streaming service for sports fans
YouTube TV costs $64.99/mo. and includes 85 channels with a healthy number of sports like ACCN, BTN, ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, and NBA TV. Record and save games to your heart’s content with unlimited cloud DVR storage. You retain content for up to 9 months, after which it automatically deletes. YouTube TV also plays nice with its 6 user profiles that let you keep your content organized from others, and you can stream on 3 screens simultaneously.
Did you know YouTube TV also provides local channels? Check what channels are available in your area with YouTube TV’s channel search tool. For example, when inserting the Pittsburgh area zip code 15071, the local channels include 22 The Point, CW Pittsburgh, FOX 53, KDKA-TV, NBC 11, Telemundo, WTAE 4, WQED, and WVPB.
YouTube TV is a well-rounded cable-replacement service. See more about channels, features, and pricing with our top-to-bottom YouTube TV review.
MLB Network without cable FAQs
Watch MLB Network online with your favorite web browser.
Simply type MLBNetwork.com/Watch into your search bar. Once on the MLB.com landing page, enter your TV provider’s information to start streaming.
Stream the MLB Network via the MLB app.
The MLB app is available for Android and iOS mobile devices, which is perfect if you’re someone on the move. Plus, streaming devices are also compatible with MLB Network — Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and others host the app, so you can jump right into the action. You can find the app at MLB.com. In order to stream live programming, you’ll need to provide your TV provider’s credentials.
Are there local blackouts for streaming services?
Regular season games are still subject to local blackouts on OTT cable-replacement services the same way they are for traditional TV services.
Can I use the MLB app during my trial period?
No, unfortunately, you won’t be able to access MLB live streams while online or on the MLB app during your trial period for any service.
Does the MLB live stream cost extra?
No, the MLB live stream is available as long as your TV provider carries the MLB Network. You can access the live stream through the MLB app, MLB.TV, and MLBnetwork.com. If you have additional questions, MLB’s website recommends that you call their customer service at 866-800-1275.