Major League Baseball season is finally here. The viewing situation is complicated due to the sheer number of games scheduled every day, as well as regional blackout restrictions, so we've broken down everything you need to know about how to watch MLB live streams.
The 2025 MLB season technically kicked off with a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs double-header in Tokyo on March 18 and 19, but opening day will officially take place on March 27 (with a few teams slated to begin on March 28). Major league baseball games are spread across various channels in the US, including ESPN, TBS, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), FOX, the MLB Network, regional sports networks (usually through FOX, ABC, and NBC), and a few streaming services.
For those without cable, it can be tricky to figure out how to live stream MLB games without breaking the bank, but we've found some promising options that can get you access to most nationally broadcast games this season. Whether you're a diehard fan of one team or just looking to catch a game tonight, we've got you covered when it comes to watching the MLB. Keep reading to learn about all of your streaming options, including how to access a free daily game.
How to watch MLB in the US
Regarding national games, ESPN, TBS, FS1, FOX, and the MLB Network will be your go-to. Apple TV+ will also come into play on Friday nights. Your local FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates (and other regional sports networks) will handle nearby games, so you'll need to check your local listings for that information.
As always, every game is subject to blackout restrictions in local areas. If you don't have cable, this means it's time to try a live TV streaming service to tap into the national broadcasts. It's worth noting that Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo (three of the best sports streaming services we've tested) might also carry your regional sports network, depending on your area.
DirecTV Stream is the cheapest way to live stream every nationally broadcast game, thanks to the streamer's new MySports genre pack. The special plan offers access to 25+ sports channels, including MLB Network, ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS. Subscriptions cost $70/month, but new users can get a five-day free trial. For an additional $20/month, you can also get regional sports coverage with the MyHome Team add-on, although coverage varies drastically by region, so you should see what's available in your area before purchasing the add-on.
DirecTV Stream's MySports pack carries popular sports channels, from mainstays like ESPN to niche offerings like the ACC Network.
Sling TV also offers every channel you'll need to watch national broadcasts. To maximize your baseball viewing options, you'll want to get the Sling Orange and Blue combo plan, which goes for $61/month (a deal when you consider that each individual plan is $46/month). Sling Orange has ESPN, whereas Sling Blue has FS1. Both plans include TBS, and Sling Blue offers FOX and local channels in select regions. To get the MLB Network, you'll need to get the Sports Extra add-on for $15/month. Sling typically offers about 50% off your first month of service.
Sling TV offers some of the best cable channels for $61 or less. There are three different tiers to choose from, plus several sports and entertainment-specific add-ons, but the Orange + Blue combo is the best way to get the most major sports channels. Plus, you can usually get about half off your first month.
Fubo is another popular sports-centric live TV streaming service. Fubo's Elite plan carries ESPN, FOX, FS1, the MLB Network, and 200+ other live channels. However, the streaming service doesn't offer Warner Bros. channels like TBS, so if you opt for Fubo, we suggest combining it with a subscription to Max (which we'll dig into below). Fubo Elite subscriptions cost $95/month, but you can get $30 off your first month of service after a one-week free trial.
Fubo's base plan offers tons of classic channels, including local networks and traditional cable options, but the Elite tier unlocks 4K and even more sports-friendly options.
On Friday nights, Apple TV+ will be your go-to. The streaming service has the rights to live stream two Friday night baseball games each week. Subscriptions start at $10/month and come with a one-week free trial.
Apple TV Plus has a limited lineup, but it's less expensive than other ad-free services and offers a growing selection of critically acclaimed series you can't stream anywhere else.
Tuesday TBS games be available to live stream through Max as part of the service's B/R Sports add-on, which is included with the streaming service's ad-free tiers. Ad-supported subscriptions start at $17/month.
Max's Standard plan includes ad-free on-demand streaming for HBO series, Warner Bros. blockbusters, original Max shows, and much more. Plus, all ad-free subscribers get the B/R Sports Add-on, so they can live stream NBA, NHL, MLB, and more for no extra cost.
For $30/month, MLB.TV will live stream the out-of-market MLB games. While this is a relatively pricey option considering that it's missing some games, we're highlighting it because it comes with a free game of the day feature. All you have to do is sign up for an account, and you'll have access to a free game every day.
How to watch MLB from anywhere
If you want to keep up with baseball while traveling abroad, it might be time to try out a VPN (virtual private network). Virtual private networks change your electronic device's location so you can access websites and apps that might not be available in certain areas. Plus, they're strong ways to boost your online privacy. Since the live TV channels we highlighted require US forms of payment, this is mostly best for Americans who are overseas at the moment and looking to keep up with their existing subscriptions.
Our go-to suggestion is ExpressVPN, which is straightforward, simple for beginners, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that make it exceptional. Better yet, you can save more than 60% right now and get up to four months free.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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