3 Ways to Watch MLB Network Without Cable

MLB Network is a cable TV network that is available on three live TV streaming services. 

You can watch MLB Network without cable on: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Sling TV. MLB Network is not on YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV. 

As a seasoned expert in the field of live TV streaming services, I have meticulously tested and compared every major streaming platform available. My thorough analysis focuses on offering you the most reliable and comprehensive insights to enjoy MLB Network without the constraints of traditional cable.

During the regular season, MLB Network airs a number of out-of-market games during the week. But if your local team is playing on MLB Network, you will be subject to blackout restrictions. 

The channel airs live and tape-delayed spring training games. During the MLB playoffs, you can find at least two Division Series games on the channel.

Considering the key factors of price, channel variety, and additional features, Sling TV emerges as the best choice for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness while still accessing MLB Network. For those seeking a more comprehensive sports package and willing to invest more, DIRECTV STREAM would be a suitable option.

Service	Pros	Cons
DIRECTV STREAM	Extensive sports channels, unlimited DVR	Higher price, limited trial period
Fubo	Large channel variety, 1000-hour DVR	Regional sports fee, higher add-on costs
Sling TV	Most affordable, good channel mix	Limited DVR storage, fewer total channels

How to Watch MLB Network

There are a number of live TV streaming services that are similar to a cable TV or satellite subscription. 

These services are used by cord-cutters and Major League Baseball fans to watch their local team’s games and national broadcast games. 

You can watch sports networks such as ESPN, local broadcast channels and popular cable channels, including AMC, A&E and CNN. 

You just need an internet connection. Smart TVs, streaming devices and even iPhones support watching live TV.

Once you get a free trial of a live TV streaming service, download the app to your Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast or Apple TV. Gamers can watch live TV on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. You can also watch live TV on a PC or Mac.

You can easily cancel a streaming service online, and jump to a competing service whenever you want. Some cord-cutters even jump from platform to platform throughout the year just to catch certain shows.

Here’s a quick look at each of these services.

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) streams MLB Network and regional sports channels needed for local, in-market MLB games.

The Choice plan is the least expensive package. It has more than 105 channels for $108.99 per month. Choice subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage for recordings. And you can watch live TV on an unlimited number of screens in your home.

The Choice package is made for sports fans who want to watch their home MLB and NBA team. There are 40 regional sports networks, including Bally Sports networks, NBC Sports and Marquee Sports Network.

The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including local channels, and more sports and entertainment channels. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month. The Premier Package has over 150 channels, including premium channels such as Max, Cinemax and Showtime. A subscription to Premier is $164.99 per month.

You can sign up for a free 5-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM without any obligations. There are no added fees for the regional sports channels. 

Subscribers can get three months of Max, Showtime, and Cinemax for free before the monthly rates kick in. 

DIRECTV STREAM offers an extensive array of sports channels, including regional networks. It stands out against Fubo for its unlimited screen streaming at home, though at a higher price point.

You can cancel whenever you want. Subscriptions run month to month. No cable box or satellite receiver is needed. DIRECTV STREAM works with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, iPhones, web browsers, tablets and Samsung Smart TVs.

Fubo (formerly fuboTV) carries MLB Network in a couple of add-on bundles that you can get with the Pro plan. 

The Pro bundle has more than 182 channels, including ESPN, FS1 and local NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX stations. A&E, History, Big Ten Network, AMC, and HGTV are part of the Pro plan.

There are two ways to add MLB Network:

• Fubo Extra ($7.99 per month) adds 54 channels, including entertainment, news and sports networks

• Sports Plus ($10.99 per month) adds 30 channels, including ESPNU, MLB Strikezone, NBA TV, NHL Network, NFL RedZone, and SEC Network (out-of-market.)

You can watch live TV on 10 screens at once.

Subscribers get 1000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to activate more than 40 apps for channels that are in your lineup. Fubo works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS and Android smartphones.

A subscription costs $74.99 per month. You can watch TV or on-demand content on 10 screens at once. fuboTV adds a regional sports fee. It costs $10.99 per month for one regional network. It’s $13.99 per month if you have two RSNs in your area. 

The Elite plan is $84.99 per month, and has 65 more sports, news and entertainment channels. The Ultimate plan has 231 channels, including Showtime and NFL RedZone, for $99.99 per month

Fubo has a library of on-demand content, including movies and TV shows. Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV and Smart TVs all carry the Fubo app.

Suited for those seeking a diverse entertainment and sports package, Fubo includes channels like AMC, HGTV, and ESPN. Compared to Sling TV, it offers a broader range of channels and a larger DVR, albeit at a higher cost.

fuboTV works on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV devices. There are mobile apps for iPhones, Android and you can watch on web browsers.

Sling TV is the cheapest option to watch MLB Network without cable. 

You’re going to need to the Sports Extra add-on with either the Sling Orange or Sling Blue plan.

The Sling TV Orange plan includes 32 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and entertainment networks like A&E and History.

Sling Blue subscribers get NFL Network, FOX Sports 1, TNT and TBS.

A subscription costs $40 per month. Sports Extra adds 10 channels and costs $11 per month. Subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.

To maximize sports channels, you can combine the Sling TV Blue with Sling TV Orange for $55 per month.

Sling TV works on just about any streaming device: Roku, Firestick, Apple TV and even an Xbox. It is also supported by Samsung Smart TVs and Smart TVs operating on Android TV or Google TV. Sling TV also supports mobile apps for iOS and Android.

There are no hidden fees or contracts if you decide to keep the service. You can look over the latest offer Sling TV has for new and returning customers.

Best for budget-conscious viewers who don’t want to sacrifice sports content. While it offers fewer channels than DIRECTV STREAM, its affordability and flexibility make it an attractive option for cost-sensitive consumers.

When you sign up for Sling TV, there are no contracts, or extra fees like cable TV. 

Watching MLB Network without cable FAQs

These are questions readers ask when searching for ways to watch MLB Network without a pay TV provider. 

Can I watch MLB Network on the MLB app?

Yes. According to an MLB.com help page, you can live stream MLB Network on an iPhone, iPad and supported Android phones and tablets. But only certain pay TV providers support what is known as “TV Everywhere” access. For example, DIRECTV STREAM subscribers can activate the app, but currently fuboTV and Sling TV cannot. 

Is MLB Network on Hulu?

Hulu Live TV does not include MLB Network in its channel lineup. Hulu Live TV has more than 75 live TV channels, including ESPN, FS1 and local broadcast channels such as FOX and NBC. A subscription costs $76.99 per month and includes ad-supported access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Does YouTube TV have MLB Network?

No. YouTube TV currently does not carry MLB Network in its channel lineup. MLB Network was once included with a YouTube TV subscription. But the network was removed on January 31, 2023 after it failed to strike a new agreement. 

How to watch MLB Network on Roku

Roku users can subscribe to fuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV or YouTube TV to start watching MLB Network live on their TV. 

Does MLB Network show spring training games?

Yes. MLB Network shows a number of live spring training games along with regular season games. But you may be subject to blackout restrictions during the regular season.

Does MLB Network show live games?

Yes. MLB Network shows both live spring training and regular season games. The network also shows games that have been pre-recorded. 

Can I watch MLB Network on a TV antenna?

MLB Network is not an over-the-air channel that you can get with a TV antenna. However, price-savvy baseball fans can watch games FOX or NBC with a TV antenna.

Checking to see if you’re close to broadcast towers is easy. Head over to the Antennas Direct Transmitter Locator tool. Punch in your zip code or address and push the “View Channels” button.

What games can I watch on MLB.TV?

With a MLB.TV subscription, you can watch every out-of-market game during the 2024 season.

The only caveat is that you can’t watch games live without a TV provider. Even if you do have a cable subscription, you will be subject to local blackouts anyway.