Buckle up: MLB.TV is evolving in 2026, giving fans more ways to watch than ever before. You’ll have in-market, blackout-free streaming for 22 of MLB’s 30 teams, and ESPN has acquired the rights to sell MLB.TV, expanding how the service is distributed. Here’s what that means for you.
Spring Training is streaming now on MLB.TV all season long. To see which games are available, check the Spring Training schedule here: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/spring-training.
The MLB App remains a streaming option for MLB.TV and Club.TV subscribers, just as it has in the past, with no extra subscription required.
If you’re ready to join, subscribe to MLB.TV today: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe/
In-market, blackout-free streaming is available for 22 clubs. The full list of these teams is below. Note that teams marked with a caret (^) have local games produced by MLB, with some Spring Training games available to stream for free to fans with a valid MLB.com account. Teams marked with an asterisk (*) have broadcasts distributed by MLB through deals with their regional sports networks (RSN).
- MLB+ serves as the new hub for MLB Network and live game audio throughout the season: https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-plus-2026-season
For most clubs, in-market streaming subscriptions can be accessed via the MLB App and club sites within the team’s home territory, with local blackouts removed. Details about cable and satellite providers, including channel locations, will be announced later.
Quotations from MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden emphasize the goal: removing blackout friction and broadening access while maintaining high production quality and fan engagement.
Pricing notes:
- For non-RSN teams, MLB.TV subscriptions stay at last year’s rates: $99.99 per season or $19.99 per month.
- Detroit SportsNet is available for $189.99 per year and includes Red Wings games.
- Fans can bundle a club’s local streaming with an MLB.TV out-of-market subscription for $199.99 per season or $39.99 per month, saving about 20% vs. buying separately.
- For the six RSN-distributed clubs (Athletics, Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Giants), prices and packages vary by market.
With ESPN’s new media rights deal, MLB.TV will be accessible via the ESPN App. You don’t need to subscribe to ESPN Unlimited, and you don’t need the ESPN App to access MLB.TV if you’re an MLB.TV subscriber.
What this means for different fans:
- Existing MLB.TV subscribers: Your renewal happens automatically. You can continue streaming through the MLB App or via MLB.TV in the ESPN App.
- Existing ESPN Unlimited subscribers: MLB.TV can be added as an option. You can subscribe to MLB.TV for $134.99 per season (instead of $149.99) and choose to stream through either the MLB App or the ESPN App.
- New MLB.TV customers (no ESPN Unlimited): You can subscribe to MLB.TV directly through ESPN platforms. You won’t need an ESPN Unlimited subscription, though you’ll get a one-month free ESPN Unlimited trial. If you decide not to continue ESPN Unlimited, your MLB.TV access remains unaffected. You’ll be able to stream MLB.TV through either the MLB or ESPN App.
- MLB Extra Innings viewers: Pricing remains unchanged through your provider.
International fans can still enjoy MLB.TV outside the United States, with subscriptions available as of now.
An MLB.TV subscription includes access to MLB Network, pre- and postgame coverage, Minor League Baseball games, and MLB Big Inning—a whiparound show with live look-ins and real-time highlights from all 30 clubs. Some regular-season and postseason games remain exclusive to national MLB media partners and aren’t available on MLB.TV or Club.TV.
For the 15 teams whose games will be distributed by MLB, you can still watch local games within the clubs’ home territories via cable, satellite, or telecom providers. Local distribution details and channel locations will be announced closer to Opening Day.
For the 14 teams whose games are produced by MLB (noted with ^), expect special production features like live drones, wire cams, and umpire cams—features typically reserved for national broadcasts.
If you’re curious about how these changes affect your viewing habits, this is a good moment to consider what matters most: cost, ease of access, and how much local flavor you want at your fingertips. Do you prefer watching your local team without blackout restrictions, even if it means navigating multiple apps? Or do you value a bundled package that simplifies access at a discount, even if it ties you a bit more to ESPN platforms? Share your take in the comments: would you rate these changes as a win for fans, or do you see potential drawbacks on pricing, accessibility, or platform fragmentation?
