What Channel Is the Baseball World Series On?

By Sarah Miller · June 11, 2044

The 2025 MLB World Series will be broadcast nationally in the United States on FOX, with Spanish-language coverage available on FOX Deportes. Additionally, games can be streamed live via MLB.TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and the FOX Sports app (authentication required). This exclusive broadcasting arrangement has been in place since 2000 under Major League Baseball's national television rights agreement.

Understanding the World Series Broadcast Network

The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB), determining the sport’s champion team. As one of the most-watched sporting events in the U.S., its broadcast rights are highly centralized and consistent from year to year.

Primary National Broadcast Channels

Unlike regular-season games, which air across various networks including ESPN, TBS, and regional sports networks, the World Series is exclusively televised by a single network: FOX. This exclusivity ensures nationwide accessibility and consistent commentary.

FOX: The main English-language broadcaster since 2000.
FOX Deportes: Offers full Spanish-language coverage.
MLB International: Provides global broadcasts for international audiences.

Streaming Options for the World Series

With the growing shift toward digital viewing, several platforms offer live streaming of the World Series:

MLB.TV: Requires a subscription; blackout restrictions may apply for live games.
FuboTV: A live TV streaming service that includes FOX and FOX Deportes.
Hulu + Live TV: Carries local FOX affiliates and allows cloud DVR storage.
YouTube TV: Also includes FOX in all markets.
FOX Sports App: Free to download; requires a cable or streaming login to authenticate and watch live.

Historical World Series TV Ratings and Viewership Trends

Broadcast ratings provide insight into the popularity and reach of the World Series over time. While recent years have seen a decline in average viewership due to shifting media consumption habits, the event remains a marquee fall sports spectacle.

Year	Teams	Network	Average Viewers (Millions)	Game 7 Viewers (Millions)
2024	Dodgers vs. Yankees	FOX	16.7	22.4
2023	Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Texas Rangers	FOX	13.8	N/A
2022	Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies	FOX	14.2	17.9
2021	Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros	FOX	12.4	N/A
2016	Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians	FOX	23.4	40.0
2004	Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals	FOX	25.5	N/A

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a general decline in average viewership over the past two decades, from over 25 million in 2004 to around 14 million in recent years. However, high-profile matchups—such as the 2016 Cubs-Indians Game 7, which drew nearly 40 million viewers—demonstrate the potential for massive audience spikes during dramatic or historic moments.

Why Is the World Series Only on One Channel?

MLB has maintained a long-term exclusive contract with FOX for the rights to broadcast the World Series, All-Star Game, and League Championship Series. This strategy differs from other major leagues like the NFL, which spreads playoff games across multiple networks.

Benefits of Exclusive Broadcasting

Consistent branding: FOX provides uniform production quality and commentary.
Higher ad revenue: Centralized rights allow MLB to command premium advertising rates.
Easier access: Fans know exactly where to tune in without confusion.

About World Series Viewing: Common Questions

What channel is the baseball World Series on tonight?

The World Series airs on FOX in the United States. Check your local listings for the exact broadcast time based on your time zone. Games typically start at 8:03 PM Eastern Time.

Can I stream the World Series for free?

You can stream the World Series for free via the FOX Sports app or website if you verify a paid TV subscription. Otherwise, services like FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV offer free trials that include FOX.

Is the World Series on ESPN or TBS?

No, the World Series is not broadcast on ESPN or TBS. It airs exclusively on FOX in the U.S. ESPN and TBS cover regular-season games and some playoff rounds, but not the World Series.

What time does the World Series start on TV?

World Series games usually begin at 8:03 PM Eastern Time (5:03 PM Pacific Time). Start times may vary slightly depending on broadcast needs or weather delays.

How can international fans watch the World Series?

International viewers can watch through MLB International, which partners with local broadcasters. In Canada, it's available on TSN and RDS. In the UK, Sky Sports covers the games. Streaming via MLB.TV is also an option, though blackout restrictions may apply.

Does Peacock or Netflix have World Series coverage?

No, neither Peacock nor Netflix holds rights to the World Series. Coverage remains exclusive to FOX and affiliated platforms. Netflix does not currently offer live sports programming.