The entire Major League Baseball (MLB) 162-game regular season can be watched live, along with the MLB Postseason and the World Series, across a mix of national TV channels, regional sports networks, and official streaming platforms. Fans can follow their favourite teams on television through major broadcasters like ESPN and FOX, stream games online using MLB’s official service, or watch local matchups via regional channels, depending on where they live.
For viewers who want full-season coverage, MLB.TV offers live and on-demand access to most regular-season games, while nationally televised games and playoff action are shown on major networks. Local team games are typically carried by regional sports networks, and cord-cutters can rely on live TV streaming services that include these channels. Together, these options ensure fans can watch MLB games at home, on the go, or while travelling, making it easy to stay connected to baseball from Opening Day to the final out.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV is the league’s official streaming platform and the most comprehensive way to follow MLB throughout the season.
MLB.TV offers live and on-demand access to most regular-season games, allowing fans to watch full games or condensed replays at their convenience. Viewers can choose home or away broadcasts, providing local commentary and team-focused coverage.
The service works across mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and smart TVs, making it easy to stream baseball anywhere. However, local and national blackout restrictions may apply depending on your location.
ESPN
ESPN is a major national broadcaster for MLB and a key destination for high-profile games.
ESPN airs regular-season MLB matchups, including rivalry games and special broadcasts. As the season progresses, ESPN becomes a major home for the MLB Postseason, covering select playoff games with in-depth analysis and expert commentary.
Fans can watch MLB on ESPN through cable TV or via ESPN’s streaming platforms, offering flexible viewing options.
FOX & FS1
FOX Sports plays a major role in MLB coverage, especially during the biggest moments of the season.
FOX and FS1 broadcast weekly regular-season games, the MLB All-Star Game, and key postseason matchups, including the World Series. FOX’s free-to-air broadcasts make it one of the most accessible ways to watch MLB’s biggest games.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
Regional Sports Networks are essential for fans who want to follow their local MLB team closely.
RSNs broadcast most regular-season games for home-market teams, along with pre-game and post-game shows, local commentary, and detailed team analysis. Availability depends on your location and TV provider, and blackout rules often apply.
Popular MLB Regional Sports Networks
- Bally Sports – Covers multiple MLB teams with strong local coverage
- YES Network – Home broadcaster for New York–area teams
- NESN – Covers Boston-area MLB teams
- SportsNet LA—Exclusive home of select West Coast teams
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services are ideal for fans who want to watch MLB without a traditional cable subscription.
These services usually include major MLB broadcasters such as ESPN, FOX, FS1, and regional sports networks, depending on location. Fans can stream MLB games on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and laptops, making them perfect for cord-cutters.
Using a VPN to Watch MLB Games
MLB fans commonly use a VPN to circumvent regional blackouts or travel restrictions.
Where Fans Use a VPN
- MLB.TV—To access games restricted in their local market
- Live TV streaming services—to watch home-region MLB coverage while travelling
- Regional Sports Network streams—to view local team broadcasts outside the home area
How Fans Use a VPN
- Connect to a server in the appropriate region or country
- Open MLB.TV or your streaming service
- Stream the game as usual
VPN usage should always follow the terms and conditions of the streaming platform.
Final Thoughts: Best Way to Watch MLB
From the long 162-game regular season to the drama of the MLB postseason and World Series, there are more ways than ever to watch Major League Baseball. Whether you prefer the all-access approach of MLB.TV, national broadcasts on ESPN and FOX, or local coverage via regional sports networks, MLB fans can enjoy the game on virtually any device.
FAQs
1. How can I watch MLB games live?
You can watch MLB games live on national broadcasters, regional sports networks (for local teams), and by streaming online through MLB.TV or live TV streaming services.
2. What is MLB.TV and what does it include?
MLB.TV is MLB’s official streaming service that offers live and on-demand access to most regular-season games, with options to watch full replays and condensed games.
3. Can I watch MLB without cable?
Yes. You can stream MLB without cable using live TV streaming services that include channels like ESPN and FOX, or by subscribing to MLB.TV for game streaming.
4. Are MLB games available for free?
Some MLB games may be available through free-to-air broadcasts (depending on your country and network coverage), but most regular coverage requires a subscription or TV provider access.
5. Why are some MLB games blacked out on MLB.TV?
Blackouts happen when a local or national broadcaster has exclusive rights to show the game in your region, which can block live streaming access on MLB.TV.
6. Can I watch my hometown MLB team on MLB.TV?
You can watch most teams on MLB.TV, but local blackout restrictions may prevent you from streaming your home team live if you’re within their broadcast region.
7. Which channels show the MLB Postseason and World Series?
The MLB Postseason and World Series are typically shown on major national broadcasters like FOX, FS1, and ESPN depending on the games and round.
8. Can I watch MLB games on my phone or tablet?
Yes. MLB games can be streamed on mobile devices through MLB.TV apps and through compatible live TV streaming services.
9. Can I watch MLB games while traveling?
Yes. You can watch MLB while traveling by using MLB.TV or your streaming service login, though some content may vary based on location.
10. What’s the best way to watch every MLB game?
The best option for maximum coverage is MLB.TV, paired with access to national broadcast channels for games that may not be included due to blackouts.