Bold takeaway: MLB’s in-market streaming is expanding, giving fans more flexible, blackout-free access to local games in 2026. And this is where it gets controversial: the way these rights are split between MLB, RSNs, ESPN, and the apps could reshape how you watch baseball this season.
A complete guide to watching MLB.TV in 2026
New for 2026, in-market streaming subscriptions are available for 22 of MLB’s 30 teams, with ESPN handling the sales of the popular MLB.TV streaming service. This means more choice about how you stream, where you are, and what you pay, all while avoiding local blackout restrictions for many games.
Spring Training games are accessible on MLB.TV throughout the spring. For a full list of available games, see MLB’s Spring Training page.
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.
How to subscribe
- Subscribe to MLB.TV today.
- In-market streaming subscriptions are now offered directly through the MLB App and each team’s site, with one exception: the Atlanta Braves’ in-market subscriptions will be available later.
Club-by-club blackout and access details
- 22 clubs stream in-market without blackouts. These clubs are identified in the official list. A caret (^) marks teams whose local games are produced by MLB, with some Spring Training streams available free to MLB.com account holders for those teams.
- An asterisk (*) indicates clubs whose broadcasts are distributed by MLB through arrangements with the clubs’ regional sports networks (RSNs).
- MLB+ serves as the new central hub for MLB Network and live game audio across the season.
Pricing and bundles
- For non-RSN clubs, MLB.TV subscriptions remain as in 2025: $99.99 per season or $19.99 per month. Detroit SportsNet is an exception at $189.99 per year and includes Red Wings games.
- A bundled option combines a club’s local streaming service with MLB.TV for out-of-market games: $199.99 per season or $39.99 per month, reflecting about a 20% savings versus purchasing both separately.
- For the six teams distributed through RSN partnerships (Athletics, Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Giants), pricing and available packages vary by market.
ESPN integration
- With ESPN’s new media rights deal, MLB.TV content will also be accessible via the ESPN App. You do not need an ESPN Unlimited subscription to use MLB.TV, but ESPN’s platform is an additional avenue.
How different subscriber categories access MLB.TV
- Existing MLB.TV subscribers: Their accounts will renew automatically. They can continue streaming via the MLB App or access MLB.TV through the ESPN App.
- Existing ESPN Unlimited subscribers: MLB.TV can be added as an optional feature. They may purchase MLB.TV for $134.99 per season (instead of the standard $149.99) and can stream through either the MLB or ESPN App.
- New MLB.TV customers (without ESPN Unlimited): They can subscribe to MLB.TV directly through ESPN platforms. They won’t need an ESPN Unlimited subscription, though they’ll receive a one-month free trial of ESPN Unlimited. If they opt out of continuing ESPN Unlimited after the free trial, it won’t affect their MLB.TV access. MLB.TV can be streamed via either the MLB or ESPN App.
- MLB Extra Innings: Pricing remains unchanged; check with your provider for current rates.
International availability
- MLB.TV remains available outside the United States, expanding access as of the date noted. International subscribers get the same MLB.TV benefits, with region-specific content and channels.
What’s included with an MLB.TV subscription
- 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.
- Note: Some regular-season and postseason games remain exclusive to national MLB media partners and will not appear on MLB.TV or Club.TV.
Local distribution and future details
- For the 15 teams whose games are distributed by MLB, fans can still watch local games via regular cable, satellite, or telecom providers. Local distribution specifics, including channel locations, will be announced closer to Opening Day.
- For the 14 teams with MLB-produced broadcasts (as indicated by ^), fans can expect enhanced features during national-style coverage, such as live drones, wire cams, and umpire cams.
Bottom line: 2026 offers more streaming flexibility, clearer access to local games, and new cross-platform options, but it also introduces a more complex pricing and distribution landscape that could be interpreted differently by fans depending on their team and region. What do you think about these changes—simplified access with blackout removal, or a patchwork of regional deals that favor some markets over others? Share your take in the comments.
