Baseball fans, rejoice! The 2026 MLB season is bringing a game-changer to your screens. With ESPN stepping up to the plate, acquiring the rights to sell MLB.TV, and offering blackout-free streaming for 22 out of 30 clubs, it's a whole new ball game.
But wait, there's more! Spring Training just got a whole lot more exciting. You can now catch select games on MLB.TV all spring long. (Yes, you read that right!) Simply click here (https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/spring-training) for the full list of games you can watch.
The MLB App remains your trusted companion, allowing MLB.TV and Club.TV subscribers to stream games as usual, without any extra subscriptions needed. And here's the best part: you can subscribe to MLB.TV right now! (https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe/)
Let's break down the 22 clubs that are going to light up your screens without any local blackouts:
- ^ These clubs will have their local games produced by MLB, and the cherry on top? Select Spring Training games will be free to stream for fans with a valid MLB.com account.
- * These clubs will have their broadcasts distributed by MLB through deals with their regional sports networks (RSN).
Introducing MLB+, the new home for MLB Network and live game audio throughout the entire season (https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-plus-2026-season). In-market streaming subscriptions are now available on the MLB App and club sites for these teams, except for the Braves, who will join the party a little later.
Each club's in-market streaming option is a game-changer, delivering all local games to subscribers within the club's territory, saying goodbye to blackouts. And don't worry, cable and satellite providers' information, including channel locations, will be revealed soon.
"MLB is all about enhancing the fan experience," said MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden. "By offering blackout-free streaming and improved production, we're giving fans what they want and providing greater access to the game and its players." And that's a home run!
For non-RSN teams, MLB.TV subscription prices remain the same as last year, at $99.99 per season or $19.99 monthly. Detroit SportsNet, however, offers a full-year package for $189.99, including Red Wings games.
Here's a grand slam offer: fans can bundle a club's local streaming service with an MLB.TV out-of-market subscription, granting access to the entire league's local games for $199.99 per season or $39.99 monthly, a 20% savings!
Now, for the six clubs distributed through RSN partnerships (Athletics, Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Giants), prices and packages vary, so stay tuned for your market's details.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for: MLB.TV's integration with ESPN. With the new media rights deal, MLB.TV will be available in the ESPN App. But here's where it gets controversial—you don't need the ESPN App or an ESPN Unlimited subscription to be an MLB.TV subscriber. You heard that right! Let's break it down:
- Existing MLB.TV Subscribers: Relax, you're all set! Your subscription will automatically renew, and you can keep streaming on the MLB App as usual or switch to the ESPN App.
- Existing ESPN Unlimited Subscribers: MLB.TV is now an add-on, and you can grab it for a discounted $134.99 per season. Stream on either the MLB or ESPN App—the choice is yours.
- New MLB.TV Customers: Subscribe directly through ESPN, and you'll get a free one-month trial of ESPN Unlimited. But don't worry, if you don't want to continue, your MLB.TV subscription won't be affected. Stream on the MLB or ESPN App, whichever you prefer.
For MLB Extra Innings viewers, it's business as usual. And for our international fans, MLB.TV is still available outside the U.S., with subscriptions open as of Tuesday.
An MLB.TV subscription unlocks a world of baseball: MLB Network, pre- and postgame coverage, Minor League games, and MLB Big Inning, a show with live look-ins and highlights from all 30 clubs.
However, remember that select regular-season and postseason games exclusive to national MLB media partners will only be available on their platforms, not through MLB.TV or Club.TV.
For the 15 teams with MLB-distributed games, fans can still watch local games on cable, satellite, or telecom providers in the clubs' home territories. More details on local channels will be announced soon.
And last but not least, fans of the 14 teams with MLB-produced games (marked with ^ above) can anticipate special features like live drones, wire cams, and umpire cams, usually reserved for national games.
There you have it, folks! MLB.TV in 2026 is shaping up to be a fan's dream come true. But what do you think? Are you excited about the changes, or do you have concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a friendly debate!
