Baseball fans are experiencing a shift in how they can watch their favorite teams, with changes happening in local markets. The regional sports network model is collapsing, leading to bankruptcy for Bally Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery exiting the RSN business. Three teams have already transitioned to a direct-to-consumer streaming model run by MLB. Fans outside their local markets can use MLB.TV to watch out-of-market games, with options for season-long subscriptions, single-team season passes, or monthly subscriptions. The service offers wide device support, in-game stats, choose your audio feed, and includes minor league games.
MLB.TV comes in handy for fans like a Cincinnati Reds fan living in New England, who would only be able to watch a handful of games without it. However, local team games are blacked out on the service, making it more suitable for out-of-market fans. The service is priced at $140 for the full season or $30 per month, with a single-team season pass available for $120. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed the desire for a new direct-to-consumer streaming service without blackouts, which may be rolled out by the 2025 season. MLB.TV provides a steady and smooth streaming experience, along with access to radio broadcasts, classic games, documentaries, and more.
MLB.TV offers various subscription options, including season-long, single-team season pass, and monthly subscriptions. You can also listen to home and away radio broadcasts, making it a unique feature of baseball among other sports. Watching games on a wide range of devices is made easy, catering to a fan’s schedule and preferences. The service provides stat overlays, radio feeds, and a catch-up feature for games in progress. The ability to watch minor league games was included last season, offering an additional benefit for serious fans and prospects’ followers.
For out-of-market fans, MLB.TV remains the only option to follow your favorite team over a 162-game season. Compared to team-specific streaming services that can cost $240 to $330 per season, MLB.TV at $140 for the remainder of the season appears reasonably priced. The service includes access to minor league games, additional video content, and a seamless streaming experience across various devices. Despite blackout restrictions for local and nationally televised games, MLB.TV provides a comprehensive way to stay engaged with baseball throughout the season.
