Watch Detroit Tigers Games Live in 2024 Without Cable

Published on: April 11, 2024

You can start watching Detroit Tigers live today without cable. Bally Sports Detroit shows all the home games at Comerica Park. 

You can also stream Tigers games live on channels like FOX, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network. This guide will explain how to watch Detroit Tigers games online and how to get local channels for free.

How to Watch Detroit Tigers Games Live

The Detroit Tigers air their games primarily on Bally Sports Detroit, the network with exclusive rights to local Detroit Tigers games. This channel is accessible on live TV streaming services like Bally Sports+, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo. Each of these services offer a free trial.

This quick breakdown summarizes the availability of free trials, monthly pricing, and key channels for each service, making it easy to compare options for watching Detroit Tigers games:

ServiceFree TrialMonthly PriceKey Channels
DIRECTV STREAMYes$108.99Bally Sports Detroit, ESPN, FS1, FOX, NBC, ABC
FuboYes$79.99Bally Sports Detroit, ESPN Networks, FS1, FOX
Bally Sports+Yes$19.99Bally Sports Detroit
MLB.tvYes$29.99Out-of-market MLB games
Apple TV+Yes$9.99Selected MLB games (no local blackout)
ESPN+No$10.99Daily MLB game (out-of-market restrictions)

Where can I Watch Bally Sports Detroit?

If you are in Michigan, Northeastern Indiana, Northwest Ohio, or Northeast Wisconsin, you can stream every Detroit Tigers home game on DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. For national games, turn to ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS. 

Both DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo carry local ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX stations in these states as well, so you will have access to local FOX stations for games that typically air on Thursday and Saturday. 

How to Stream Detroit Tigers Games

Streaming live Detroit Tigers games without cable is very easy, even if you’ve always had a cable subscription. To get started with streaming MLB games on your TV, you need:

  • A streaming service that includes Bally Sports Detroit and channels broadcasting nationally televised Tigers games.
  • A steady internet connection, preferably with at least 25 Mbps speed, to ensure smooth streaming, especially when multiple people are online at home.
  • A Smart TV or a streaming device like Roku to connect to your TV.

With Fubo, you can watch replays of the Tigers games, so you won’t miss any action if you can’t catch the game live. DIRECTV STREAM provides unlimited Cloud DVR, allowing you to record games and watch them at your convenience.

For those in the Detroit TV market area, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM subscribers can access local channels from the major broadcasters. This includes ABC (WXYZ, Channel 7), NBC (WDIV, Channel 4), CBS (WWJ, Channel 62), and FOX (WJBK, Channel 2).

Watch Detroit Tigers Games on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM, known before as AT&T TV, has the essential channels for streaming Detroit Tigers games in 2024. To get regional sports networks like Bally Sports Detroit, you must choose the Choice package or higher. The Choice package costs $108.99 per month and includes 105 channels.

Notably, it features regional sports channels, ESPN, MLB Network, FS1, and local broadcasters like FOX (WJBK, Channel 2) and NBC (WDIV, Channel 4) in Detroit, which sometimes air Tigers games. The Ultimate and Premier packages offer additional channels, including NHL Network, Showtime, and Cinemax.

All these plans provide unlimited Cloud DVR and a wide range of on-demand movies and shows, with no long-term contracts or hidden fees. 

You can start with a 5-day free trial of any plan. You can cancel online before the trial ends if you don’t want to keep your service. DIRECTV STREAM works well on Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices, and you can review channel options before deciding.

directv stream local channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia

Watch Detroit Tigers Games with Fubo

Fubo’s Pro plan, at $79.99 per month, offers over 202 channels, featuring Bally Sports Detroit for regional coverage of Detroit Tigers games. 

Subscribers of the Pro plan also gain access to ESPN Networks, FS1, FOX (WXYZ, Channel 7), NFL Network, ACC Network, and Big Ten Network. For Detroit locals, CBS (WWJ, Channel 62) is also available and airs additional sports content.

Fubo allows watching on 10 screens simultaneously and includes a regional sports fee. It’s $11.99 per month for one RSN and $14.99 for two. Check the channel lineup in your area to see how many RSNs are offered in your local plan.

Besides sports, Fubo provides entertainment channels like Discovery, HGTV, Paramount Network, Food Network, and Hallmark Channel. With 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, you can record and replay games. 

Elite subscribers get 4K streaming of select sporting events on FS1 and FOX.

Compatible with a range of devices, Fubo works on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV (tvOS), Android TV, and various Smart TVs. Xbox users can also stream on Fubo. New subscribers can start with a 7-day free trial, with no long-term commitments required.

fubotv-channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Pro$79.99/month202
Elite $89.99/month269
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.

Bally Sports+ for In-Market Detroit Tigers Fans

Bally Sports+ is a streaming option exclusively for in-market fans, offering live home games of the Detroit Tigers. Subscribers can enjoy games broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit, along with Detroit Pistons and Red Wings matches.

Although Bally Sports+ does not provide access to national TV channels like ESPN, it serves as an affordable choice for those primarily interested in local home games. The service is priced at $19.99 per month, or you can opt for an annual subscription at $189.99 after enjoying a 7-day free trial.

For those with existing satellite or cable TV, your account credentials can be used to activate the Bally Sports app, maintaining access to your favorite local sports.

MLB.tv: Watch Out-of-Market Detroit Tigers Games

MLB.tv is the go-to service for fans wanting to stream Detroit Tigers games outside the local broadcast region, known as the out-of-market area. This means if you don’t live near Detroit or in the usual broadcast zones, you can watch the games without facing blackouts.

Detroit Tigers games are not available through MLB.tv for fans in the local area due to blackout rules. This service is a good option for fans who live outside the team’s typical broadcast reach.

The subscription fee for MLB.tv is $29.99 per month. For Amazon Prime members, there’s a special offer of a 7-day free trial through Amazon Channels, after which the standard rate applies.

Apple TV+: Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox

Apple TV+ will showcase the Detroit Tigers game against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. ET during the 2024 MLB season. This is part of “Friday Night Baseball,” where Apple TV+ airs two games every Friday night without local blackout restrictions.

At $9.99 per month, Apple TV+ offers these games to fans in over 60 countries, ensuring wide access to marquee matchups. The service is compatible with most streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV, as well as Smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Panasonic, and Hisense.

ESPN+: Stream Daily MLB Games Including Out-of-Market Tigers ball games

ESPN+ is streaming one live MLB game per day that is part of the national broadcast schedule.

Out-of-market games are still governed by local blackout restrictions. It’s best for out-of-market Tigers fans who want to see an occasional game, but are interested in getting a variety of MLB games from the national broadcast schedule.

You will still need Bally Sports Detroit to watch home games.

ESPN+ also offers replays of games shortly after they conclude. The service is priced at $10.99 per month, providing a cost-effective way to follow the broader MLB action. You can look over the MLB schedule for ESPN+ for more information.

live-mlb-games
ESPN+ has daily MLB games. (photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICESTREAMS
ESPN+$10.99/moHD/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
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

Watch Detroit Tigers Games for Free with a TV Antenna

Using a TV antenna is the best way to catch Detroit Tigers games on FOX at no cost. 

If your TV antenna is collecting dust, connect it to your TV’s coax port and search for channels. FOX is crucial for regular-season games, while ABC is a main channel for the playoffs.

In the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek area, you can get channels:

  • CBS: WWMT, Kalamazoo, MI
  • NBC: WOOD, Grand Rapids, MI
  • ABC: WZZM, Grand Rapids, MI and WOTV, Battle Creek, MI

For fans in the Flint-Saginaw-Bay City region, local channels include:

  • CBS: WNEM, Bay City, MI
  • NBC: WEYI, Saginaw, MI
  • ABC: WJRT, Flint, MI
  • FOX: WSMH, Flint, MI

Some of these channels provide a way to follow the Tigers and other MLB action throughout the season.

How to Watch Detroit Tigers FAQ

How can I watch the Detroit Tigers game today?

For today’s game, check Bally Sports Detroit first, as it regularly airs Tigers games. You can stream these games on Bally Sports+, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo if you live in the team’s home market. 

Is Bally Sports Detroit available on YouTube TV or Hulu?

YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV don’t carry Bally Sports Detroit, but they offer channels like FOX, FS1, ESPN, and TBS for nationally televised Tigers games.

What about watching Tigers games on Sling TV?

Sling TV lets you watch Tigers games on ESPN and TBS with the Sling Orange plan, and FS1 with Sling Blue. However, Sling doesn’t offer Bally Sports Detroit.

Where else can I catch Tigers games?

Without Bally Sports Detroit, you can still see Tigers games on DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo, with national games also on ESPN, FS1, FOX, and TBS. 

What channel is the Detroit Tigers game on today?

For today’s Tigers game, Bally Sports Detroit is the main channel. National games air on channels like FOX, ESPN, FS1, and TBS according to the MLB national broadcast schedule.

  • 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

This schedule gives you the channel lineup for national broadcast games. For local broadcasts, Tigers games are typically on Bally Sports Detroit. Check daily listings to ensure you catch the game on the right channel or streaming service.

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.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.