Where to Watch MLB Playoffs 2025 Live

By Sarah Miller · January 26, 2030

The 2025 MLB playoffs can be watched live on national broadcasters such as Fox, FS1, TBS, and ESPN, with streaming options including MLB.TV (via league authorization), Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and the MLB app (for authenticated subscribers). Local games may also be available through regional sports networks.

Where Are the 2025 MLB Playoffs Broadcast?

Major League Baseball's postseason in 2025 will continue its multi-network broadcast model, ensuring fans across the U.S. have access to live coverage of the Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series. National television rights are held by major networks, while streaming platforms provide flexible viewing for cord-cutters.

National TV Channels Broadcasting the Playoffs

Fox and FS1: Air Saturday playoff games, including select NLDS and NLCS matchups, plus exclusive coverage of the World Series.
TBS: Holds rights to Friday night playoff games and broadcasts the entire American League Championship Series (ALCS).
ESPN: Covers one Wild Card Series game, typically airing early-round matchups.
MLB Network: Offers supplementary studio coverage, highlights, and simulcasts select games when not broadcasting exclusive content.

Streaming Services with Live Playoff Coverage

For viewers without cable, several live TV streaming platforms carry the networks that broadcast playoff games:

Hulu + Live TV: Includes Fox, FS1, TBS, and ESPN in its base package.
YouTube TV: Offers all major networks; reliable DVR functionality and multi-device support.
FuboTV: Sports-focused service with Fox, TBS, ESPN, and additional sports add-ons.
Sling TV (Blue): Carries TBS and ESPN; Fox is only available on Sling Orange or combined Orange & Blue plan.

Note: MLB.TV subscriptions do not include live out-of-market access during the playoffs due to blackout restrictions. Only authenticated users via a participating TV provider or approved streaming bundle can stream games live through the MLB app.

Key Playoff Series and Their Designated Networks

Each round of the MLB postseason is assigned to specific broadcasters based on contractual agreements. The following table outlines expected network assignments for the 2025 playoffs, based on historical patterns and current media deals extending through 2028.

Playoff Round	Broadcaster(s)	Typical Schedule	Streaming Access
Wild Card Series	ABC (1 game), ESPN, ESPN2	Oct 1–3, 2025	ESPN App, Hulu Live, YouTube TV
Division Series (NLDS/ALDS)	Fox, FS1, TBS	Oct 5–10, 2025	Fox Sports App, TBS App, FuboTV
League Championship Series (NLCS)	Fox, FS1	Oct 12–19, 2025	Fox Sports App, Hulu Live
League Championship Series (ALCS)	TBS	Oct 12–19, 2025	TBS App, YouTube TV, FuboTV
World Series	Fox	Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025	Fox Sports App, Hulu Live, YouTube TV

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Fox and TBS dominate later-round coverage, with Fox exclusively airing the World Series and TBS holding exclusive ALCS rights. Streaming availability is consistent across major platforms, though authentication through a pay-TV provider is required for full access via official apps.

How to Watch Internationally

Fans outside the United States have several region-specific options:

Canada: TSN and RDS hold English and French-language rights, respectively; games also stream on TSN.ca and DAZN Canada.
UK & Ireland: TNT Sports broadcasts live games and offers streaming via discovery+.
Australia: Seven Network and Kayo Sports provide live coverage.
Latin America: ESPN Latin America and Star+ offer Spanish and Portuguese broadcasts.
Asia: NHK and J Sports air select games in Japan; ESPN Asia covers other regions.

MLB.tv international subscriptions allow legal streaming in most countries during the playoffs, bypassing blackouts that apply within the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching the MLB Playoffs

Can I watch the MLB playoffs on MLB.TV?

Yes, but only if you're outside the United States. Within the U.S., live playoff games are subject to blackouts on MLB.TV due to broadcast exclusivity. Subscribers must authenticate through a participating TV provider to stream via the MLB app.

What time do playoff games usually start?

Wild Card games often begin at 4:08 PM or 5:08 PM ET. Division Series and LCS games vary between 1:08 PM, 4:08 PM, and 8:03 PM ET. World Series games typically start at 8:03 PM ET on Fox.

Is there free over-the-air coverage of the playoffs?

Yes. Fox broadcasts select playoff games, including every World Series game, over-the-air for free. Viewers with an HD antenna can access these games in local markets without a subscription.

Do streaming services offer free trials for the playoffs?

Yes. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV frequently offer 7-day free trials. These can be used strategically to watch key games, though auto-renewal requires cancellation to avoid charges.

Why are some games blacked out on MLB.TV?

Blacked-out games protect the exclusive broadcast rights of regional sports networks and national partners like Fox and TBS. This applies only within the U.S.; international users can stream all games on MLB.TV.