Apps for watching MLB in the United States
MLB streaming apps allow you to follow live games, out-of-market games, national broadcasts, radio, highlights, and replays.
Announcements
Since league rights are divided among national broadcasters, regional networks, and digital platforms, the best option depends on the team and the viewer's location.
A subscription to MLB.TV might be excellent for a fan who lives far from their team, but it doesn't solve the problem of games being blocked in the local market. Apple TV, Peacock, FOX, and other partners also have exclusive or national games on certain days.
MLB App and MLB.TV
The MLB App is the primary official tool for schedules, scores, statistics, audio, videos, and access to MLB.TV. The MLB.TV subscription is specifically designed for games outside the local market, with live and on-demand options depending on the plan.
Territorial restrictions may prevent the streaming of local team games or exclusive national matches. The postal code and device location help determine the content that can be streamed.
Before signing, use the blackout information provided by MLB and confirm that the team you are interested in is considered local in your region.
Best for: high volume of games outside the market, replays, radio and official coverage.
Apple TV: Friday Night Baseball
Apple TV broadcasts Friday Night Baseball, an exclusive weekly doubleheader during part of the season. By 2026, Apple has confirmed two games per Friday for 25 weeks, without the traditional local restrictions for these exclusive games.
According to the official announcement from Apple, An Apple TV subscription is required to watch full games. The app also offers certain highlights, classic games, interviews, and MLB-related programs for free.
Best for: exclusive Friday matches and additional league content.
Peacock and NBC
Starting in March 2026, NBC and Peacock began airing MLB games on their Sunday programming. Peacock reports Please note that some broadcasts may be subject to territorial restrictions, including during the regular season and playoffs.
A compatible subscription is required for Peacock-exclusive games. Games broadcast on NBC may also be available via local reception, depending on the region.
Best for: select Sunday games and national NBC Sports programming.
FOX Sports App
FOX and FS1 broadcast national matches, including Saturday games and events determined by the calendar. The FOX Sports App typically requires authentication with a compatible provider to unlock the broadcast.
The app does not replace MLB.TV or the teams' regional networks. Check the schedule because some FOX games are exclusive and may be unavailable on other platforms.
Best for: FOX and FS1 national matches.
Regional applications and networks
Most teams have a regional partner responsible for many regular season games. Access can be through the network's own app, a service offered directly to consumers, or a live TV provider.
Availability varies by city. Check the team's official website and look for "How to Watch" to identify the current broadcaster. Don't assume that the partner from one season will remain the same in the next.
Best for: local matches of the team within their region.
ESPN App and other national partners
The MLB national schedule may include games on ESPN, ABC, TBS, TNT Sports, or other partners, depending on existing agreements. Access via apps generally requires a compatible subscription or authentication from a carrier.
Since contracts change, use the official MLB schedule as your primary source. A game advertised on ESPN will not automatically be available on the basic ESPN+ plan.
Best for: domestic matches identified on the calendar and specific phases of the season.
Tubi and free baseball channels
Free, ad-supported services may feature historical games, programs, documentaries, recaps, and sports channels. Tubi also offers content related to MLB and, on specific occasions, legally acquired games or replays.
This doesn't mean the app streams the entire current season. Check if the schedule shows a live match, a replay, or just highlights.
Best for: complimentary free content, classics, select programs and broadcasts.
Is it possible to watch MLB for free?
There are legitimate opportunities, but no app that offers all games for free. Some options include:
- Domestic matches available on free-to-air broadcasters;
- Highlights and best moments on the MLB App and Apple TV;
- MLB Big Inning or promotional programs under specific conditions;
- historical content on free platforms;
- trial periods offered by paid services;
- Occasional broadcasts officially authorized.
Trial periods may require a card and automatic renewal. Check the terms and conditions and don't confuse free app content with free access to full matches.
How do MLB blackouts work?
Blackouts protect national and regional rights. A game may be unavailable on MLB.TV because the viewer is within the territory of one of the teams or because another partner holds national exclusivity.
In many cases, the game becomes available on demand after a certain period, but the rule varies. Consult the official restrictions page and do not use location tools to circumvent the terms of service.
Which app to choose?
MLB.TV is the most comprehensive option for fans of teams outside the market. The regional partner caters to many local games. Apple TV airs Friday Night Baseball, Peacock and NBC cover select Sunday games, and FOX Sports features national games.
Before signing up, choose your team, provide your location, and review two weeks of the calendar. This quick check reveals which platforms appear most frequently and helps you avoid subscribing to multiple apps that stream games you don't intend to watch.