How to stream MLB Network without cable in 2023
Best Provider
You can stream MLB Network without cable on a few different services: fuboTV, DIRECTV Stream, Sling and Youtube TV. The only free way to watch MLB Network is during a trial period. And while you can buy and watch live games directly with MLB.tv, there's currently no way to just get MLB Network. It's only available as part of a multichannel plan, like those on this page. Once you have access, the award-winning MLB app lets you stream the channel live and on demand 24/7.
Table of Contents
denotes our recommendation for that particular plan or feature. Best ways to watch MLB Network right now
MLB Network on fubo TV (our top pick)
fuboTV is known for sports and a big reason it tops our list. With plans from 158 to 227 channels, MLB Network is included in all their plans. Other MLB related channels in their lineup include: ESPN (Sunday Night Baseball and weekday games), ESPN 2, FOX (Saturday afternoon games), MLB StrikeZone, FS1, TNT, etc. If you want to catch all the live out-of-market MLB games, you can subscribe to MLB.tv via fuboTV for $24.99/mo. Your local team's games are always broadcast via its local channel.
Other sports-related channels on fuboTV include NFL Network, Big 10 Network, beIN Sports, SEC Network, PAC 12 Network, NBCSN, etc. Overall, fuboTV includes a bigger variety of sports channels than any other provider. So, while not the cheapest way to watch MLB Network, it's the plan sports fans gravitate to first.
Features
- Best overall sports coverage
- 1,000 hours of DVR storage
- Up to 13 different devices
- Local channels included
Cons
- Extra sports coverage costs a bit more
MLB Network on DIRECTV Stream
MLB Network is included in three of the four DIRECTV Stream plans. The first with it is Choice ($99.99/mo for 105 channels). It's also the first plan with access to RSNs (regional sports networks). Depending on your location, RSNs include: AT&T SportsNet, Bally Sports and ROOT Sports (folks on the East Coast may also get YES, MSG, NESN and MASN).
Other sports channels on DIRECTV Stream include: ACCN, Big Ten Network, ESPN, , ESPN2, ESPNews, FS1, Golf Channel, NBA TV, SEC Network, Tennis Channel, etc. A 5- day, unrestricted free trial lets you try out the service before being charged.
Features
- All the local channels (varies by zip)
- Most regional sports of any streaming provider
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Stream on unlimited devices
- Skip commercials (1 touch)
- Multiple recordings at a time
Cons
- Taxes added on top of prices
MLB Network on Sling TV
Sling TV is a skinny bundle provider that, unlike cable, only gives you the channels you watch most. They offer two different plans and the smallest is Orange (31 channels for 40. Their second is Blue. MLB Network isn't included with either by default. You'll need to get the Sports Extra add-on plan for an additional $11/mo. It's a solid mix of 14 sports channels, some of which include: NBA TV, SEC Network, beIN Sports, Tennis Channel and the NHL Network. For MLB fans, you'll also get MLB StrikeZone, which features live action from all 30 teams, particularly during key plays of a game. It's a cool way fo follow the league, especially for fantasy sports fans.
Finally, you also have the option of combining Blue and Orange plans. Whichever you choose, Sling offers a 3-day trial to try things out before officially signing up .
Features
- Lowest cost option with MLB Network
- 50 hours of DVR storage
- Device streams: 1 (Orange); 3 (Blue)
- Good number of add-on plans
Cons
- No local channels
- Much less channel options
Streaming devices with MLB Network
Good news is MLB Network is highly integrated with all the streaming devices on the market (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, etc). See the full list below. It also works on all operating systems: iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. We've tried most and our personal favorite is via the MLB app (iOS or Android). The big upside there is the user interface and On Demand. The app is super intuitive and lets you watch a ton of On Demand programming (recorded primetime shows, expert analysis, etc).
Popular MLB Network shows
The MLB Network features a solid mix of live action, news and analysis. Here's a quick look:
- Live games - every season, MLB Network broadcasts hundreds of live games. Most are simulcasts of local feeds but a few times a week, MLB Network Showcase features their own self-produced show and in-house broadcast team.
- MLB Tonight - their flagship nightly news show, with real-time analysis by ex big leaguers. Live-lookins are especially cool when big action or matchups happen.
- Hot Stove - particularly during the off-season, Hot Stove brings you all the news, trades, rumors and more.
- Quick Pitch - their nightly 60-minute highlight show. Get all the key plays and post-game interviews.
- Intentional Talk - a light-hearted look at all things baseball. Long-time host Kevin Millar gets the chatter going.
Similar channels (with MLB broadcast rights)
Most MLB Network fans also dig other baseball coverage, and sports. Depending on the type of plan you have, you may get the following channels/services that also broadcast live games. MLB has a 7-year broadcast deal in place with quite a few networks/platforms (expires in 2028). The latest is below:
MLB Broadcast partners
- ESPN - live national games on Sunday Night Baseball and a handful of other games during the week. ESPN also broadcasts the Home Run Derby and select Spring Training games.
- Fox - every Saturday night, Baseball Night in America features some of the best match-ups in MLB. When Fox games go over their alloted time or its Saturday afternoon, FS1 broadcasts live games as well.
- TBS - MLB on TBS Tuesday Night is a nice way to catch a game mid-week and break up the work week monotony.
- Peacock - has the rights to all early Sunday afternoon games (called MLB Sunday Leadoff). As with all these deals with MLB, they use their own broadcast team.
- Apple TV+ - will broadcast games on Friday Night Baseball (Apple TV+ is a separate subscription service).
Recent Channel News
4/10/23: All-Star game in Seattle, WA This year's midsummer classic will take place July 11th at Seattle's Safeco Field. As always the entire weekend will feature festivities highlighted by the Home Run Derby on Saturday.
→ Programming impact: the ASG is one the biggest live events for MLB Network. From on-field interviews the entire weekend to live breakdowns of the first half's best moments, it's the best way to catch all the action. For non-subscribers, the MLB app sometimes unlocks the MLB Network for the ASG weekend so keep an eye out.
3/30/23: MLB Opening Day After a long winter, MLB kicks off its season will a full opening day line-up of games. Get your fantasy rosters set!
→ Programming impact: as always, expect MLB Tonight on MLB Network to do plenty of live-lookins for all 30 teams. Watch your local team on its regional channel (view blackouts).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stream MLB Network?
The best way is via the MLB app - go to the "MLB Network" tab and login with your credentials. In addition to the live stream, you can also catch On Demand programs that aired days and weeks previously. Option B is the live feed from your streaming provider's app (DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, etc).
Can I order MLB Network directly?
Unfortunately, no. It can only be accessed as part of a multichannel plan. There are rumors MLB may make it available for a separate fee, but don't expect it for this season.
Do I get MLB Network as part of my MLB.tv subscription?
No. Your subscrption is for the live feed of all non local games. That unfortunately doesn't include any other news or analysis programming like MLB Network.
Who are the current hosts on MLB Network?
It depends on the show, but current hosts of their top programs include: Greg Amsinger, Bob Costas, Matt Vasgersian, Brian Kenny, Lauren Shehadi, Matt Yallof and more.
