How to Watch MLB Network and What It Costs

MLB Network is a cable and streaming option, not a free service

MLB Network is a television channel owned by Major League Baseball that shows games, analysis, and baseball programming year-round. You cannot watch it for free — you need either a cable TV subscription that includes the channel, or a streaming service that carries it. The channel is not available through MLB.com or the MLB app on its own.

Most cable providers include MLB Network in their sports packages, though some require you to add it as an extra channel. If you do not have cable, several streaming services carry MLB Network, but each has different costs and coverage limits. The channel itself does not sell direct subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

MLB Network comes through cable TV packages or streaming services — there is no direct subscription to the channel itself.
Cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and AT&T typically include MLB Network in mid-tier or sports packages, though availability varies by region.
Streaming services that carry MLB Network include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, each with different monthly costs and channel lineups.
MLB Network shows regular-season games, but most live games air on regional sports networks or national broadcasters like ESPN and Fox.
If you want to watch most MLB games, you may need MLB.tv in addition to MLB Network, since the channel does not carry every team's full schedule.

Cable TV packages that include MLB Network

If you have cable, check your current package first — many providers include MLB Network without an extra charge. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and AT&T U-verse all carry the channel, but the tier you need depends on your provider and region. Some require a sports package upgrade; others include it in a standard or mid-tier package.

Call your cable provider or log into your account online to see which channels you have access to. If MLB Network is not included, ask what it costs to add it. Prices vary, but adding a single channel usually runs $5 to $15 per month on top of your base package.

Streaming services that carry MLB Network

YouTube TV includes MLB Network in its base package at around $72 per month (prices change). Hulu + Live TV also carries it at roughly $77 per month. Sling TV includes MLB Network in its Sling Orange + Sports Extra bundle, which costs less than the full packages but requires adding the sports tier. FuboTV carries the channel and focuses on sports, though it is one of the pricier options at around $80 per month.

Each service has a different channel lineup and DVR storage, so compare what else you want to watch before signing up. Most offer a free trial period — usually 5 to 7 days — so you can test the service and see if the picture quality and interface work for you. Prices and channel availability change frequently, so check the current offering on each service's website.

What MLB Network actually shows

MLB Network airs original programming, analysis shows, and some live games, but it does not carry every team's full schedule. The channel shows a mix of live regular-season games (usually a few per week), replays, documentaries, and talk shows like MLB Tonight. Most live games still air on regional sports networks tied to each team, or on national broadcasters like ESPN, Fox, and MLB.com's exclusive games.

If you want to watch your local team play most nights, you typically need access to the regional sports network that carries them, not just MLB Network. That network may come through cable, or you may need a separate streaming service or MLB.tv subscription to access it.

MLB.tv as an alternative or addition

MLB.tv is a separate subscription from MLB Network. It streams most regular-season games from all teams, but has blackout restrictions — you cannot watch your local team's games if they air on a regional network in your area. MLB.tv costs around $140 per year for the full season, or you can buy a monthly pass for roughly $25.

Many people use MLB.tv to watch out-of-market teams and combine it with cable or a streaming service to catch their local team on the regional network. If you travel frequently or live far from your team's home market, MLB.tv alone may be enough. If you live in the team's broadcast area, you will need the regional network in addition.

Regional sports networks and local team broadcasts

Each MLB team has a regional sports network that holds the rights to most of their home and away games. These networks are often harder to find than national channels. Some are part of cable packages; others are only available through specific streaming services or apps.

Before you commit to a streaming service or cable package, check which network carries your team and whether that service includes it. Your team's official website usually lists the broadcast schedule and which network airs each game. This step saves you from paying for a service that does not actually carry the games you want to watch.

Comparing costs: cable versus streaming

A basic cable package with MLB Network typically costs $60 to $100 per month depending on your provider and region. Adding just MLB Network to an existing package usually costs $5 to $15 extra. Streaming services that include MLB Network range from roughly $70 to $85 per month for a full live TV package.

If you only want to watch baseball and do not need other cable channels, a sports-focused streaming service like FuboTV or Sling TV's sports bundle may be cheaper than a full cable package. However, if you want local news, movies, and other programming, cable or a full streaming package may offer better value. Calculate what channels you actually watch and compare the total monthly cost across your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch MLB Network games on my phone or tablet?

Yes, if you have a cable subscription or a streaming service that includes MLB Network, you can usually watch through that service's app on your phone or tablet. You will need to log in with your account credentials. Some services allow offline downloads, but most require an active internet connection to stream.

Does MLB Network show every game?

No. MLB Network shows a limited number of live games per week, mostly analysis and replays. Most regular-season games air on regional networks or national broadcasters. If you want to watch most games, you need access to your team's regional network plus national channels like ESPN and Fox.

What is the difference between MLB Network and MLB.tv?

MLB Network is a television channel that shows selected games and baseball programming. MLB.tv is a streaming subscription that lets you watch most regular-season games from all teams, but with blackout restrictions on your local team. They are separate services with different content and costs.

Can I get MLB Network without cable or a streaming service?

No. MLB Network is not available as a standalone subscription or through free streaming. You must have either a cable TV package that includes it or a streaming service that carries the channel.

Do I need MLB Network if I have MLB.tv?

Not necessarily. MLB.tv covers most games, though you cannot watch your local team due to blackout rules. MLB Network adds analysis shows and a few exclusive games, but if you only care about watching your team play, the regional network matters more than MLB Network itself.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.