What MLB.TV is and what it costs

MLB.TV is a streaming service run by Major League Baseball that lets you watch out-of-market games live and on demand. You pay a monthly or annual fee to MLB directly, and in return you get access to most regular-season games — with some blackout restrictions based on where you live and which team you follow.

The price varies depending on how you buy it. A single-team subscription (following one team for a season) costs less than an all-teams subscription. An all-teams annual subscription typically costs more upfront but breaks down to a lower monthly rate. MLB also offers monthly options if you want to watch for just part of the season. Exact prices change year to year and sometimes by region, so check MLB.com directly for current rates.

You can watch on a web browser, on phones and tablets through the MLB app, on streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, or on some smart TVs. You need an internet connection but no cable subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • MLB.TV streams out-of-market regular-season games, meaning you usually cannot watch your home team's local broadcasts.
  • You buy directly from MLB.com and can choose a single-team or all-teams plan, paid monthly or annually.
  • Blackout rules prevent you from streaming games that are broadcast on local or national TV in your area.
  • You can watch on computers, phones, tablets, and most streaming devices, but you need a working internet connection.
  • Playoff games, the World Series, and some nationally televised games are not included in a standard subscription.

Blackout restrictions and which games you can actually watch

MLB.TV does not let you stream every game. Blackout rules block you from watching games that are shown on local or national television in your location. If you live in the territory of a team — usually defined by state or region — you cannot stream that team's home games on MLB.TV, even if you pay for an all-teams plan. You have to watch those games through the local broadcast, cable provider, or the team's own streaming service if they offer one.

National broadcasts (games on ESPN, Fox, or MLB Network) are also blacked out on MLB.TV in most markets. Playoff games and the World Series are not included in a standard subscription at all — you need a separate purchase or cable access to watch those.

The blackout map changes by team and by region. Before you buy, go to MLB.com and enter your ZIP code to see which teams and games are blocked in your area. This is the single most important step, because many people buy MLB.TV expecting to watch their home team and then discover they cannot.

How to set up an account and start watching

Go to MLB.com and look for the MLB.TV section. You will create an account with an email address and password, then choose your plan: single team or all teams, and monthly or annual payment. You pay with a credit card or debit card. MLB will send you a confirmation email with your login details.

After you buy, download the MLB app on your phone or tablet, or go to MLB.com in a web browser and log in with the same email and password. On streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV, search for the MLB app in the device's app store, download it, and log in the same way. The app will remember your login, so you only have to do this once per device.

You can stream on up to two devices at the same time with most plans. If you try to watch on a third device while two are already streaming, the oldest stream will stop.

What happens during the offseason and spring training

MLB.TV is a seasonal service. Regular-season games run from late March or early April through late September or early October, depending on the year. During the offseason (November through February), there are no games to stream, so your subscription is not useful.

Spring training games (late February and March) are included in most MLB.TV subscriptions, though some are blacked out depending on your location. Once the regular season ends, your subscription does not automatically renew unless you set it up that way. You can buy a new subscription the following spring if you want to watch again.

Comparing MLB.TV to other ways to watch baseball

MLB.TV works best if you want to follow an out-of-market team — someone in New York who loves the Los Angeles Dodgers, for example. If you want to watch your home team, a local cable or streaming package (often through the team's regional sports network or the team's own app) is usually your only option.

Some teams offer their own streaming services separate from MLB.TV. The Yankees and Dodgers, for example, have their own apps. These typically cost more than MLB.TV but include local games and sometimes additional content. Check your team's website to see what they offer.

If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN or Fox Sports, you can watch nationally televised games through those channels' apps or websites without paying extra. MLB.TV does not include those games, so you would be paying for something you already have access to.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a blackout message when you try to watch a game, check your ZIP code on MLB.com to confirm which games are blocked in your area. Blackout rules are based on your location at the time you try to stream, not where you live permanently. If you are traveling, you may be able to watch games that are blacked out at home.

If the stream keeps stopping or buffering, check your internet speed. MLB recommends at least 5 megabits per second for standard video and 8 megabits per second for HD. Restart your device or router, close other apps that use internet, and try again. If the problem continues, contact MLB support through their website.

If you forgot your password, go to MLB.com and click "Forgot Password" on the login page. MLB will send you an email with a link to reset it. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact MLB support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch games if I am traveling outside the United States?

MLB.TV is only available in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. If you travel outside those regions, you will not be able to stream. Some people use a VPN to appear to be in the US, but this violates MLB's terms of service and can result in your account being suspended or closed.

Do I need cable to watch MLB.TV?

No. MLB.TV is a standalone service that works with just an internet connection. You do not need a cable subscription, though some games are only available through cable or local broadcasts due to blackout rules.

Can I share my MLB.TV login with family members?

You can stream on two devices at the same time, so a family member can watch on one device while you watch on another. However, sharing your login with people outside your household violates MLB's terms of service. Each person should have their own account if they want to watch regularly.

What if I want to cancel my subscription?

Log into your MLB.com account, go to your subscription settings, and look for the cancel or manage subscription option. You can cancel anytime. If you paid for an annual plan, MLB typically does not refund the unused portion, so check their refund policy before you buy.

Are there any free games on MLB.TV?

MLB occasionally offers free games through MLB.TV or through partnerships with other platforms like YouTube or Apple TV+. Check MLB.com or your local team's website for announcements about free streaming games during the season.