Published on: March 6, 2024
There are several ways to enjoy Chicago Cubs games live without a traditional cable or satellite package in 2024.
- DIRECTV STREAM
- Fubo
- MLB.tv (for out-of-market games)
- Apple TV+
- Peacock
- ESPN+
Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs since 1916, stands as a historic landmark. The iconic red marquee at the entrance is a beloved symbol, and gave a name to the Cubs channel, Marquee Sports Network.
Not all fans can attend in person, but many alternatives exist for catching Cubs games live.
A subscription is needed for accessing live TV streaming services like Marquee Sports Network for home games. Major national networks such as FOX, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network televise the regular season, with ABC hosting select post-season games. A TV antenna is best way to watch Cubs games free when broadcasts air on FOX and ABC.
This guide provides a detailed overview of how to watch Cubs games live without cable in 2024.
How to watch Chicago Cubs Games Live
Marquee Sports Network broadcasts a majority of Cubs games, holding exclusive rights in the local market. Only DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo carry Marquee Sports Network.
Here is a quick breakdown of prices, free trials, and availability of Marquee Sports Network.
| Service | Price | Free Trial | Marquee Sports Network |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $108.99/month | 5 days | Yes (in Choice package) |
| Fubo | $79.99/month | 7 days | Yes |
| MLB.tv | $29.99/month | 7 days (Amazon Prime members) | No (Out-of-market games only) |
| Apple TV+ | $9.99/month | 7 days | No |
| Peacock | $5.99/month | N/A | No |
| ESPN+ | $10.99/month | N/A | No |
Where can I watch Marquee Sports Network?
Available in five states, Marquee Sports Network covers a broad area including parts of Illinois, Iowa, Western Nebraska, Central Indiana, and Kenosha County, Wisconsin.
It’s accessible through select live TV streaming services and cable providers. DIRECTV STREAM offers a 5-day free trial, enabling viewers within the Marquee Sports Network area to watch every home game. Likewise, fubo provides a 7-day free trial and supports a comprehensive lineup for Cubs games, whether playing at home or away, including ESPN, FOX, FS1, but not TBS.
Streaming Services Overview
- DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo: Full access to Marquee Sports Network and major networks like ESPN, FOX, and FS1.
- Other services like Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV offer major network access but do not carry Marquee Sports Network.
Apple TV+ streams two live baseball games on Friday nights as part of the national broadcast schedule, requiring a subscription after a 7-day free trial. Peacock streams exclusive Sunday morning games, marking the second consecutive year these platforms offer MLB games.
For those looking to avoid subscriptions, a TV antenna provides access to some national broadcast games for free.
How to Stream Chicago Cubs Games
Streaming Cubs games is straightforward with the right setup: a service carrying Marquee Sports Network and a smart TV or streaming device connected to your TV. DIRECTV STREAM, among others, supports streaming on various devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers ESPN, FOX, and FS1 within its Entertainment package at $79.99 per month.
For Chicago Cubs fans wishing to catch live home games, the Choice package is essential as it includes Marquee Sports Network. Priced at $108.99 monthly, the Choice package has 105 channels, featuring TNT, MLB Network, USA Network, and local channels like NBC and CBS.
New subscribers enjoy three months free of Max, Showtime, Cinemax, and MGM+.
DIRECTV STREAM allows viewing on unlimited screens at home and comes with no contractual obligations. It supports devices like Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more, offering a flexible month-to-month subscription that you can cancel anytime.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Fubo
Fubo, with its Pro channel bundle, includes Marquee Sports Network, FS1, and FOX among over 189 channels.
This package, at $79.99 per month, also features ESPN, local NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX stations, and channels like A&E and AMC. Fubo charges a regional sports fee starting at $11.99 per month.
Fubo is unique in the live TV space for offering select sporting events in 4K resolution.
Subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage and a 72-hour lookback feature for sporting events. Compatible with various devices, Fubo provides a 7-day free trial to new users.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 189 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 & Showtime |
MLB.tv (Out-of-Market)
MLB.tv streams all out-of-market MLB games, a boon for fans outside the Chicago Cubs’ home broadcast region, at $29.99 monthly. Amazon Prime members can avail of a 7-day free trial.
Apple TV+
For the 2024 MLB season, Apple TV+ will broadcast two Friday night games weekly. Supporting a wide array of devices, Apple TV+ requires a subscription, $9.99 per month after a free trial.
Peacock
Peacock will stream exclusive Sunday morning MLB games under its Premium plan, costing $5.99 monthly with a free trial available.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $5.99/mo. | On-demand |
| Premium Plus | $11.99/mo. | NBC live & on-demand |
ESPN+
ESPN+ streams one to two live MLB games daily as part of the national broadcast, available at $10.99 monthly. This service also offers a bundle option with Hulu and Disney+.
| PLAN | PRICE | STREAMS |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | $10.99/mo | HD/1080p – 3 devices |
| Disney Trio Basic (with ads) | $14.99/mo. | Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos Hulu up to 4K ESPN+ HD/1080p |
| Disney Trio Premium (only ESPN+ with ads) | $24.99/mo. | Disney+ up to 4K/Dolby Atmos Hulu up to 4K ESPN+ HD/1080p |
How to Watch Cubs Games Free with a TV Antenna
Using a TV antenna is the simplest method to watch Chicago Cubs games for free. This works when games are broadcast on ABC and FOX. During the regular season, FOX airs games, while ABC features prominently in the postseason. For newcomers to TV antennas, consider these guides:
- How to Select the Right TV Antenna
- Connecting Multiple TVs to a Single Antenna
- Top Picks for Indoor TV Antennas
- The Best Outdoor TV Antennas Reviewed
Frequently Asked Questions on Watching Chicago Cubs
These questions are commonly asked by those looking to stream Chicago Cubs games without a traditional TV service.
How can I watch the Chicago Cubs game today?
- DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV are your main options for live Cubs games at home, both offering Marquee Sports Network.
- DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice plan includes over 105 channels like ESPN and FOX for $108.99 monthly after a 5-day free trial.
- Fubo’s Pro plan offers 189 channels, including local networks, for $79.99 monthly, plus a regional sports fee, with a 7-day free trial.
- Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV carry national broadcast games, while Apple TV+, ESPN+, and Peacock stream select MLB games.
Can I watch the Chicago Cubs on YouTube TV?
Yes, but not Marquee Sports Network. YouTube TV includes FOX, FS1, ESPN, and TBS for nationally televised games, priced at $72.99 monthly.
Can I watch the Chicago Cubs on Hulu?
Hulu Live TV provides ESPN, FS1, and TBS but does not include Marquee Sports Network, available for $76.99 monthly.
Can I watch Cubs games on Sling TV?
Sling TV broadcasts Cubs games on ESPN and TBS through its Orange plan, and FS1 on the Blue plan, without regional sports networks.
Does Marquee Sports Network have an app?
Yes, with DIRECTV STREAM being the sole provider offering access to the Marquee Sports app. Fubo does not support access currently.
What channel is the Chicago Cubs game on tonight?
Typically, Cubs games air on Marquee Sports Network, with national broadcasts spread across networks like FOX, FS1, TBS, ESPN, and FOX, depending on the day.
| DAY | CUBS MLB NATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
| Sunday morning | Peacock |
| Sunday afternoon | TBS |
| Sunday night | ESPN or ESPN2 |
| Monday night | ESPN or FS1 |
| Tuesday night | TBS |
| Wednesday Night | ESPN, FS1, MLB Network |
| Thursday Night | ESPN, FOX and MLB Network |
| Friday Night | Apple TV+ |
| Saturday Afternoon | FOX |
| Saturday Night | FOX, FS1 |
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Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
