How to watch the MLB playoffs

Where to watch MLB Playoff games

The 2024 MLB playoffs will air across seven different networks: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, MLB Network, Fox, Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and TBS. 

MLB.TV doesn’t include the playoffs, so if you’re a subscriber, you’ll need to check out cable and local channels to find playoff games. Although many of these games will be broadcast over antenna or cable, streaming services offer the best way to ensure you catch every game at home or on the go. Here’s a list of every streaming service that will carry some or all MLB playoffs channels this year.

*Local channels available only in select locations

Watch the MLB Playoffs on DIRECTV STREAM

If you’re eager to watch the 2024 MLB playoffs, DIRECTV STREAM offers a way to catch every single game. The Entertainment Plan includes all MLB playoffs channels except MLB Network. To get the complete playoff experience, you’ll need to upgrade to the Choice plan. With this package, you’ll get MLB Network alongside a much larger lineup of sports channels like ACCN, Big 10 Network, ESPNEWS, ESPNU and more.

All in all, DIRECTV STREAM is our go-to service for cord-cutters who want a streaming experience that feels a bit more like cable. You won’t get quite as large of a channel lineup here as you do with some other platforms, but you may find the user interface and available packages more similar to what you’ve had in a cable package. If you want to get a taste of the service before you buy, you can sign up for DIRECTV STREAM's five-day free trial.

Watch the MLB playoffs on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers one of the most well-rounded packages of live and on-demand content on the market today. If you want to watch MLB playoffs channels alongside a wide range of other great entertainment, this may be your best option. With your subscription, you’ll get access to 95-plus channels, a vast library of award-winning on-demand shows and films and the bonus of extra sports on ESPN Plus and plenty of family entertainment on Disney Plus. 

Watch the MLB playoffs on Fubo

Fubo is geared toward sports fans, so you can find much more than just the MLB playoffs here. The base Essential plan has a lineup of channels for sports fans, including just about all MLB TV playoff channels except for MLB Network and TBS. You’ll also get plenty of extra sports coverage on networks like beIN Sports, NFL Network, Golf Channel and Fox Sports 2 (FS2).

If you want to add MLB Network, you’ll need to upgrade to the Elite plan or add the Fubo Extra add-on for an additional monthly fee. There’s also a Sports Plus with NFL RedZone add-on that offers MLB Network with more sports networks. Unfortunately, Fubo doesn’t offer TBS at all, so there’s no way to catch English-language broadcasts of the NLDS and NLCS.

Overall, Fubo packages can start to get fairly pricey, but this platform offers the most comprehensive sports coverage for those who want to enjoy far more than just the MLB playoffs. You can try it out for free before you have to pay for your first month.

Watch the MLB playoffs on Sling TV

Sling TV offers the most budget-friendly way to watch the MLB playoffs on TV. However, your final cost depends on whether you want to be able to catch all the action, and you may not get all the channels you need, depending on your location.

The beauty of Sling is that it allows you to tailor your plan to your top viewing preferences, so you can buy Sling Orange for a mix of ESPN, ESPN2 and TBS or Sling Blue for a combo of FS1 and TBS — or you can go for Sling Orange & Blue and get all of those channels. From there, you can add MLB Network with the Sports Extra add-on.

Where Sling gets a little tricky, though, is local coverage. ABC, NBC and Fox are only available in select markets with the Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue plan, so you’ll need to check your ZIP code on Sling’s website to see if the channels are available in your area. If not, you’d have to supplement your plan with an antenna for local channels. Unfortunately, Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, but you may be able to get a discount on your first few months.

Watch the MLB playoffs on YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers plenty of TV channels featuring the MLB playoff schedule in 2024. The basic plan includes every channel with MLB games except for MLB Network, which is not available on YouTube TV at all.

With YouTube TV, you’ll likely pay less than you would for similar coverage on competitors Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM — and you’ll have a more balanced mix of channels. For instance, YouTube TV includes networks like AMC, BBC World News, Cartoon Network, CNN and PBS, which you won’t find on Fubo. However, it’s worth noting that you won’t get regional sports coverage with YouTube TV, and you won’t get an extensive on-demand library with either platform as you would with Hulu + Live TV. The good news is that YouTube TV offers free trials of anywhere from five to 14 days, depending on whether you have subscribed before.

MLB playoffs schedule 2024

The Playoffs begin with the Wild Card games on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, October 1-3.

Tuesday, October 1

• AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Astros vs. Tigers, 2:32 p.m., ABC
• AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Orioles vs. Royals, 4:08 p.m., ESPN2
• NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Brewers vs. Mets/D-backs, 5:32 p.m., ESPN
• NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Padres vs. Braves/Mets, 8:38 p.m., ESPN

Wednesday, October 2

• AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Astros vs. Tigers, 2:32 p.m., ABC
• AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Orioles vs. Royals, 4:38 p.m, ESPN
• NL Wild Card Series Game 2: Brewers vs. Mets/D-backs, 7:38 p.m., ESPN
• NL Wild Card Series Game 2: Padres vs. Braves/Mets, 8:38 p.m., ESPN2

Thursday, October 3

• *AL Wild Card Series Game 3: Astros vs. Tigers, 2:32 p.m., ABC
• *AL Wild Card Series Game 3: Orioles vs. Royals, 4:08 p.m., ESPN
• *NL Wild Card Series Game 3: Padres vs. Braves/Mets, 7:08 p.m., ESPN
• *NL Wild Card Series Game 3: Brewers vs. Mets/D-backs, 8:38 p.m., ESPN2

*if necessary

The Division Series begin on October 5, followed by the Championship Series and World Series.  

You can find the full MLB playoff TV schedule on the MLB website.

FAQ

Can I watch MLB playoffs on Hulu?

You can watch most MLB playoffs channels on Hulu + Live TV. The service offers five of the seven channels set to air MLB playoff games, with only TBS and MLB Network missing from the mix.

How do I watch the MLB playoffs on Sling?

Sling offers partial coverage of the 2023 MLB playoffs. With Sling Orange & Blue, you’re guaranteed ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and TBS. Sling also streams ABC and Fox in select markets, but you’ll need to check your ZIP code on its website to see if those channels are available near you. To get MLB Network, you’ll need the Sports Extra add-on.

Can I watch MLB playoffs on ESPN Plus?

The MLB playoffs will not air on ESPN Plus, but the Wild Card rounds will show on ESPN and ESPN2. You’ll need a cable or streaming subscription to watch those channels.