MLB.TV on ESPN is now available; what you need to know
MLB.TV on ESPN is now available; what you need to know
The league’s out-of-market games package is now under the control of the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
The calendar still says February, and to most, that means baseball season is well over a month away. But pitchers and catchers have already reported to spring training around the league, and MLB is gearing up for its 2026 season. ESPN is also getting ready, and has announced details of its first season as the distribution partner for MLB.TV, the league’s out-of-market games package. We’ll fill you in on all those details below, so you can be prepared for the upcoming year.
Everything you need to know about MLB.TV on ESPN
What will MLB.TV on ESPN cost in 2026?
Perhaps to the surprise of some fans, ESPN and MLB have elected not to raise the price of MLB.TV from its 2025 rate. Viewers can expect to pay $150 for all out-of-market games during the season, or $30 per month.
There are discounts available, however. Current ESPN Unlimited subscribers can buy MLB.TV for $135 per season. New customers who don’t have ESPN Unlimited can sign up for the monthly or annual plan of MLB.TV at standard prices and get a free month of the ESPN streamer. Likewise, existing MLB.TV subscribers who auto-renew through MLB platforms and are not currently subscribed to ESPN Unlimited will get a free month of the service.
ESPN is not selling single-team plans of MLB.TV on any of its platforms. Viewers can still buy single-team plans for MLB.TV, but must do so directly from the league for a price of $100 to $130 per season, depending on market.
Can you watch in-market MLB.TV games on ESPN?
No, at least not in 2026. MLB has assumed broadcast and distribution duties for the in-market games of more than 10 teams in 2026, and will once again allow audiences in the markets of these clubs to watch their games without pay-TV on a special plan of MLB.TV with no blackouts. All of these games will be exclusively available to watch through the MLB app, and will not appear on the ESPN streaming platform. ESPN will have to wait until at least 2027 to take over those game broadcasts.
Fans can only purchase access to an in-market MLB.TV plan in applicable markets through MLB itself, and will not be able to watch those games through ESPN this year. In-market MLB.TV plans will cost $20 per month, or $100 for the season, once again in 2026.
Do you have to have ESPN to watch MLB.TV in 2026?
Nope! While MLB.TV is available to purchase and stream through ESPN in 2026, fans have the choice of signing up and watching through the MLB app as well. As mentioned above, any viewers who want a single-team plan or are looking for a special in-market plan to watch their home team must go through the MLB app, but otherwise, both options are available.
What features are available with MLB.TV on ESPN?
If you elect to watch MLB.TV on ESPN this season, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of fan-friendly features on the ESPN app. These will include ESPN’s multiview for watching multiple games at once, integrated stats, key plays, and catch up to live, as well as fantasy and betting information.
What comes in an MLB.TV subscription on ESPN?
In addition to out-of-market games, fans will be able to watch the “MLB Big Inning” whip-around show, as well as MLB Network through the ESPN app with an MLB.TV subscription. These are key aspects of the MLB.TV experience, and will be included for customers on both platforms.
Can you watch MLB.TV on ESPN for free?
No. Although there are ways to get free trials of ESPN Unlimited while signing up for MLB.TV as mentioned above, there is no way to stream the full season of MLB.TV on ESPN for free.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV is the official streaming service of Major League Baseball. You can see every out-of-market game live or on-demand and choose home or away TV and radio feeds. The app allows fans to watch up to four games simultaneously on the same screen through its Multi-view feature. MLB.TV can be added to your Sling TV or Prime Video subscription.