Major League Baseball has introduced blackout-free in-market streaming subscriptions for 21 of its 30 teams ahead of the 2026 season. ESPN has acquired rights to sell the MLB.TV service, offering fans more options to watch games through apps and websites. This move aims to eliminate local blackouts and enhance accessibility for baseball enthusiasts.
On February 10, 2026, MLB announced in-market streaming subscriptions for 21 clubs, allowing fans in each team's home territory to watch local games without blackouts, subject to national exclusives. The subscriptions are available on the MLB App and club sites, except for the Detroit Tigers, which will launch later. Teams include the Arizona Diamondbacks (Dbacks.TV), Athletics (Athletics.TV), Baltimore Orioles (MASN+), Cincinnati Reds (Reds.TV), Cleveland Guardians (CLEGuardians.TV), Colorado Rockies (Rockies.TV), Kansas City Royals (Royals.TV), Los Angeles Angels (Angels.TV), Los Angeles Dodgers (SNLA+), Miami Marlins (Marlins.TV), Milwaukee Brewers (Brewers.TV), Minnesota Twins (Twins.TV), New York Mets (SNY), Philadelphia Phillies (Phillies.TV), St. Louis Cardinals (Cardinals.TV), San Diego Padres (Padres.TV), San Francisco Giants (Giants.TV), Seattle Mariners (Mariners.TV), Tampa Bay Rays (Rays.TV), and Washington Nationals (Nationals.TV).
Fourteen teams have games produced by MLB, featuring advanced production like live drones, wire cams, and umpire cams, with free Spring Training streams for subscribers with a valid MLB.com account. The other seven are distributed through regional sports network deals. Pricing for in-market services is typically $99.99 per season or $19.99 monthly for non-RSN teams, while RSN-affiliated clubs vary by market.
ESPN's role includes selling MLB.TV out-of-market subscriptions for $149.99 annually, available via the ESPN App alongside the MLB App. New subscribers receive a one-month free trial of ESPN Unlimited, which auto-renews at $29.99 monthly unless canceled. Bundling in-market and out-of-market access costs $199.99 seasonally, a 20% discount. Existing MLB.TV users renew through their accounts without changes.
MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden stated, “We are proud of the award-winning production MLB has offered clubs while increasing the reach of the games... Additionally, we are listening to our fans who want blackouts eliminated.” ESPN executive John Lasker added that the partnership serves fans through local content and live games. Cable and satellite details will be announced closer to Opening Day, with national partner exclusives unavailable on these streams.
