More than two-thirds of Major League Baseball clubs are now offering fans a direct way to stream games within their local markets through MLB.tv, a move announced by the league on Tuesday. This shift comes as baseball fans navigate a somewhat confusing landscape for accessing games this season.
Navigating MLB.tv: In-Market vs. Out-of-Market Streaming
Understanding the options for watching your favorite team live.
- Twenty-one teams are providing in-market streaming via MLB.tv, separate from the out-of-market package.
- Pricing for in-market streaming varies, depending on team affiliation with regional sports networks.
- New MLB.tv subscribers may face additional requirements, including an ESPN+ subscription.
- Existing MLB.tv subscribers with auto-renewal will continue to have access through the MLB App or ESPN App.
- Nine teams offer in-market streaming through platforms separate from MLB.tv.
To clarify, the 21 teams offering in-market streaming through MLB.tv have a separate subscription from the league’s out-of-market package, though the two can sometimes be bundled. Fourteen of these teams – the Diamondbacks, Reds, Guardians, Rockies, Tigers, Royals, Marlins, Brewers, Twins, Cardinals, Padres, Mariners, Rays, and Nationals – have joined MLB’s media arm and are no longer affiliated with traditional regional sports networks. Fans can access in-market games for these teams for $19.99 per month or $99.99 for the full season. A bundle including the out-of-market MLB.tv package, offering access to all other teams’ games, is available for $199.99 per season.
Seven other teams – the Athletics, Orioles, Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Giants – are allowing the league to sell their in-market streaming rights through partnerships with their existing regional sports networks. Pricing for these in-market streams is determined by the networks and will vary. Fans of these teams cannot bundle with the out-of-market MLB.tv service.
The remaining nine MLB clubs do not make their in-market streaming available on MLB.tv, but still offer subscriptions through separate platforms. Fans should check their team’s website for details.
ESPN Partnership Adds a Layer of Complexity
MLB has also formally announced its out-of-market package partnership with ESPN, as reported over the weekend. Existing MLB.tv subscribers with auto-renewal enabled will receive the package as usual and can access games through either the MLB App or the ESPN App.
However, new customers or those not auto-renewing will encounter some hurdles. Purchasing MLB.tv through the ESPN App will cost $149.99 per season, and requires a subscription to ESPN Unlimited for $30 per month, though a one-month free trial is included with the MLB.tv purchase. To avoid the monthly charge, customers must actively cancel their ESPN Unlimited subscription.
Customers already subscribed to ESPN Unlimited will receive a slight discount on MLB.tv, with the offering priced at $134.99 per season.
The league aims to unify its local media rights on one platform by 2028, and hopes to simplify access to games in the coming years. For now, it’s a complicated system, but hopefully, fans can navigate the options and enjoy the season.
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