Baseball is back, and the 2026 MLB season starts with a slate that is spread across more viewing homes than ever.
The league opens on Wednesday, March 25, when the Yankees visit the Giants at 8:05 p.m. ET on Netflix. Traditional Opening Day follows on Thursday, March 26, when MLB says the schedule includes 11 games, highlighted by Pirates at Mets at 1:15 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock and Diamondbacks at Dodgers at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. 15 openers will be available live on MLB.TV, with blackout restrictions applying.
How to Watch the MLB in 2026
If you are a cord cutter, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to follow the action. From live TV streaming services to standalone platforms, you can stream the action on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other compatible devices.
Live TV Streaming Services (Best All-in-One Options)
If you want a cable-like experience without a contract, these are your best bets. These live-TV streaming services offer the broadest access to national MLB broadcasts on ESPN, NBC, FOX/FS1, TBS, MLB Network. Some have a wider selection of in-market local games (RSNs).
- DIRECTV carries live MLB games on NBC, FOX/FS1, TBS, MLB Network, and most RSNs.
- Fubo features games airing on ESPN, FOX/FS1, MLB Network, and most RSNs.
- Sling TV offers live national games on ESPN, NBC, FOX/FS1, TBS, and MLB Network.
- YouTube TV carries ESPN, NBC, FOX/FS1, TBS and select RSNs.
- Hulu + Live TV streams ESPN and NBC, FOX/FS1, TBS, MLB Network and select RSNs.
Local broadcast channels and networks will vary by plan and market.
Streaming Apps Carrying MLB Games
Several standalone apps are also part of the mix this season:
- Netflix – Exclusive Opening Night game, Home Run Derby and more
- Peacock – Opening Day games on NBC, including Mets vs. Pirates and Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
- HBO Max – Will simulstream TNT Sports coverage on TBS
- ESPN app – Live games, highlights, and MLB.TV access through ESPN Unlimited
- FOX One – Includes FOX Saturday Baseball, live games, and replays
- ESPN/FOX One Bundle – Includes all the games airing on ESPN and FOX
- Apple TV – The streaming home of Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders.
These platforms are especially useful if you only want select national games rather than a full channel lineup.
Watch MLB Games With an Antenna
An over-the-air antenna is still one of the simplest and cheapest ways to watch MLB games on NBC and FOX. Local games that air on broadcast affiliates can also be viewed. If you live within range of local broadcast towers, you can watch games for free in HD without a subscription. Using a site like Antennas Direct can help you find out which local stations are in your area and the right antenna for you.
2026 MLB Opening Day Schedule
Opening Night: Wednesday, March 25
- NY Yankees at SF Giants (8:05 PM ET)
- National: Netflix (Exclusive)
Opening Day: Thursday, March 26
- Pittsburgh Pirates at NY Mets (1:15 PM ET)
- National: NBC / Peacock
- Local: SportsNet Pittsburgh (PIT) | SNY (NYM)
- Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee Brewers (2:10 PM ET)
- Local: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) | Brewers.TV (MLB Local Media)
- Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs (2:20 PM ET)
- Local: Nationals.TV (MLB Local Media) | Marquee Sports Network (CHC)
- Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles (3:05 PM ET)
- Local: Twins.TV (MLB Local Media) | MASN (BAL)
- Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds (4:10 PM ET)
- Local: NESN (BOS) | Reds.TV (MLB Local Media)
- LA Angels at Houston Astros (4:10 PM ET)
- Local: FanDuel Sports Network West (LAA) | Space City Home Network (HOU)
- Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies (4:15 PM ET)
- Local: Rangers Sports Network (TEX) | NBC Sports Philadelphia (PHI)
- Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals (4:15 PM ET)
- Local: Rays.TV (MLB Local Media) | Cardinals.TV (MLB Local Media)
- Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres (7:10 PM ET)
- Local: Detroit SportsNet (DET) | Padres.TV (MLB Local Media)
- Arizona Diamondbacks at LA Dodgers (8:30 PM ET)
- National: NBC / Peacock
- Local: DBacks.TV (MLB Local Media) | Spectrum SportsNet LA (LAD)
- Cleveland Guardians at Seattle Mariners (10:10 PM ET)
- Local: Guardians.TV (MLB Local Media) | Mariners.TV (MLB Local Media)
Friday, March 27
- Oakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET)
- Local: NBC Sports California (OAK) | Sportsnet (TOR)
- Colorado Rockies at Miami Marlins (7:10 PM ET)
- Local: Rockies.TV (MLB Local Media) | Marlins.TV (MLB Local Media)
- Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves (7:15 PM ET)
- Local: Royals.TV (MLB Local Media) | BravesVision (ATL)