Where to Watch Major League Baseball in 2025

By Sarah Miller · July 4, 2037

If you're wondering where to watch Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2025, the primary options include live TV via networks like ESPN, Fox, and TBS; regional sports networks (RSNs) such as Bally Sports or NESN; MLB.TV for out-of-market games; and streaming platforms including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. Local blackouts apply on MLB.TV, so cord-cutters should consider a live TV streaming service with local channels.

How to Watch MLB Games in 2025

Fans across the United States and internationally have multiple ways to enjoy Major League Baseball games, whether through traditional cable, satellite, or modern streaming services. With evolving broadcast rights and digital platforms, knowing where to watch MLB games ensures you never miss a pitch from your favorite teams.

Live Broadcast Networks

Nationwide MLB games are regularly aired on major broadcast networks:

ESPN: Monday Night Baseball, select Sunday and Wednesday games
FOX: Baseball Night in America – Saturday afternoon games, plus All-Star Game and postseason coverage
TBS: Weekly Tuesday night games and exclusive coverage of one League Championship Series (LCS)
Apple TV+: Friday Night Baseball – two weekly games available globally
Peacock: Exclusive MLB Sunday Leadoff games

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Local games are typically broadcast on RSNs, which vary by team and market:

Bally Sports (e.g., Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Midwest)
NESN (Boston Red Sox)
MASN (Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles)
SportsNet LA (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Marquee Sports Network (Chicago Cubs)

Note: Many RSNs are not available on standalone streaming platforms, making access challenging for cord-cutters.

Streaming Services with Live TV

For fans cutting the cord, several live TV streaming platforms carry national networks and local RSNs:

YouTube TV: Offers ESPN, FOX, TBS, and select RSNs (availability varies by region)
Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN, FOX, TBS, and some regional networks
FuboTV: Carries all major networks and most RSNs; strongest MLB lineup among streamers
DirecTV Stream: Provides comprehensive channel access including RSNs via its top-tier plan
Sling TV: Limited MLB coverage (mainly ESPN), lacks most RSNs

MLB.TV – For Out-of-Market Games

MLB.TV is the official league streaming service that allows fans to watch live out-of-market games. However, due to blackout restrictions, you cannot watch games involving your local teams if they are televised locally.

Cost: $149.99 for the full season (or $24.99 monthly)
Features: 4K streaming, multi-game view, DVR controls, mobile playback
Best for: Fans living outside their favorite team’s broadcast area

MLB Broadcast Rights and Availability by Platform

Platform	MLB Coverage	Price (Monthly)	Blackout Restrictions?	Free Trial
YouTube TV	ESPN, FOX, TBS, select RSNs	$72.99	No (for live TV); yes on MLB.TV if same market	Yes (14 days)
Hulu + Live TV	ESPN, FOX, TBS, partial RSNs	$76.99	Limited RSN access; check local availability	Yes (7 days)
FuboTV	All national networks + most RSNs	$79.99	Full RSN access based on location	Yes (7 days)
DirecTV Stream	Comprehensive RSN and national coverage	$82–$135	Yes, based on broadcast zone	Yes (5 days)
MLB.TV	Out-of-market games only	$149.99/year	Yes – local and nationally televised games blacked out	No
Apple TV+	Friday Night Baseball (2 games/week)	$9.99/month	No blackouts for Friday games	Yes (with Apple device purchase)
Peacock	Exclusive Sunday Leadoff games	$5.99–$11.99/month	No blackouts for exclusive games	Yes (7 days)

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The data shows that FuboTV offers the most complete MLB viewing experience with nearly universal RSN access, while YouTube TV and Hulu remain popular due to broader channel lineups. Apple TV+ and Peacock provide cost-effective options for fans interested in weekly exclusive games without long-term commitments.

International Viewing Options

Fans outside the U.S. can access MLB content through:

MLB.TV International: Full access to all games without blackouts
DAZN: Available in Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and Japan
Sportnet: In Belgium and the Netherlands
Star+ (Latin America): Carries live games and highlights

International subscribers benefit from fewer blackout restrictions compared to U.S.-based viewers.

Common Questions About Watching MLB

Where can I watch MLB games tonight?

Check the MLB schedule on MLB.com to see which network is broadcasting tonight’s game. If it's a national broadcast, tune in via ESPN, FOX, TBS, Apple TV+, or Peacock. For local games, use your regional sports network or a live TV streaming service that carries it.

Can I watch MLB without cable?

Yes. Use live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV to access ESPN, FOX, TBS, and regional sports networks. Alternatively, subscribe to MLB.TV for out-of-market games or Apple TV+ and Peacock for exclusive weekly broadcasts.

Why are MLB games blacked out on MLB.TV?

Blacking out games protects local broadcasters’ rights. If a game is shown on a regional sports network or nationally televised, MLB.TV restricts access to viewers within that team’s designated market to comply with broadcast agreements.

Is there a free way to watch MLB games?

While most games require a subscription, you can watch select games for free using an over-the-air antenna (for FOX Saturday games) or take advantage of free trials from YouTube TV, Hulu, or FuboTV (typically 7–14 days). Peacock also offers free ad-supported content, though premium games require a paid tier.

What time do MLB games usually start?

Most regular-season games start between 7:05 PM and 7:10 PM ET. Day games may begin at 1:05 PM or 1:10 PM ET, especially on weekends or holidays. Saturday games on FOX often start earlier, around 12:30 PM or 7:00 PM ET, depending on doubleheaders.