TAMPA, FL, February 28, 2024 – Major League Baseball will assume control of the Tampa Bay Rays’ local television broadcasts starting with the 2026 season, a move designed to eliminate frustrating blackout restrictions for fans across Florida. The partnership will allow viewers to access games through existing cable or satellite providers, as well as MLB’s streaming service.
A New Era for Rays Fans: Streaming Without Blackouts
The Tampa Bay Rays are partnering with MLB to deliver a more accessible viewing experience for fans beginning in 2026.
- MLB will produce and distribute Rays games starting in 2026.
- Fans will be able to stream games on the MLB app without local blackouts.
- Traditional cable and satellite access will remain available.
- Streaming subscriptions will become available for purchase in February.
“Since our first days of taking ownership of the club, we’ve been committed to delivering a world‑class fan experience,” said Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby. “This transition reflects that commitment. With MLB’s best‑in‑class streaming platform, rays fans in our home market will finaly be able to stream games on the MLB app without local blackouts. And just as importantly, fans who prefer the tradition of watching Rays baseball on television will continue to find our games on cable and satellite. Every decision we make is done first and foremost with our fans in mind.”
What does this mean for Rays fans? The change promises a more seamless viewing experience,especially for those who prefer streaming. For years, fans have faced limitations accessing local broadcasts through MLB’s streaming platform due to blackout restrictions. This new arrangement aims to resolve that issue.
Did you know? – MLB previously took over local broadcasts for the Arizona Diamondbacks and miami Marlins. This move with the Rays continues a trend of the league directly managing regional game distribution.
The Rays are not the first MLB team to partner with the league for local broadcasts, signaling a broader shift in how teams distribute their games. all 162 regular-season games in 2026 will be available to fans through either local distribution or MLB’s national broadcast partners.
Pro tip – Keep an eye on MLB.com in February for subscription details. Pricing and package options for streaming Rays games will be announced closer to the start of sales.
Streaming access will be available for purchase on MLB.com and the MLB app when subscriptions go on sale in February.Further details regarding the partnership will be released in the weeks ahead.
Why did this happen? For years, Rays fans have struggled with blackout restrictions when attempting to stream local games on MLB’s platform. These restrictions stemmed from existing broadcast agreements with local cable and satellite providers. Who is involved? The Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball are the primary parties in this agreement. Rays CEO Ken Babby championed the change. What is the change? MLB will take over production and distribution of Rays games starting in 2026, eliminating blackout restrictions for streaming viewers. How will it work? Games will be available via existing cable/satellite providers and through MLB’s streaming services (MLB.com and the MLB app) with subscriptions available in february. The partnership concluded with an agreement for MLB to fully manage the Rays’ local broadcasts, ensuring wider accessibility for fans.
