How to Watch the MLB Playoffs 2026: TV Channels & Streaming Guide
Here is how to watch the MLB playoffs 2026, from the Wild Card Series to the World Series. The postseason starts on Tuesday, September 29, and a possible Game 7 of the World Series falls on October 31.
Games air on NBC, TBS, FOX and FS1, with streams on Peacock, HBO Max and FOX One.
Last updated: September 17, 2026.
MLB Playoffs 2026 Schedule and TV Channels
Twelve teams make the field, six from each league. The top two division winners in each league skip the Wild Card Series and go straight to the Division Series.
| Round | Dates | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Series | Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 | NBC, NBC Sports Network | Peacock |
| AL Division Series | Oct. 3 to 10 | TBS, truTV | HBO Max |
| NL Division Series | Oct. 3 to 9 | FOX, FS1 | FOX One |
| NL Championship Series | Oct. 11 to 19 | FOX, FS1 | FOX One |
| AL Championship Series | Oct. 12 to 20 | TBS, truTV | HBO Max |
| World Series | Oct. 23 to 31 | FOX | FOX One |
Dates past the first game of each series depend on how long it lasts. The World Series has off days on October 25 and 29. Follow the MLB playoffs 2026 hub for the live bracket and results.
How to Watch the MLB Playoffs 2026 on TV
Four networks split the postseason this year under MLB’s new media deals.
- NBC: every Wild Card Series game. It is NBC’s first postseason baseball since the 2000 ALCS.
- TBS and truTV: the ALDS and ALCS.
- FOX and FS1: the NLDS and NLCS.
- FOX: every World Series game, for the 27th year in a row.
Spanish language coverage airs on FOX Deportes, Universo and Univision. ESPN Radio carries every postseason game.
How to Stream the MLB Playoffs Without Cable
Three apps cover the whole postseason. Each one matches a TV partner.
| Service | Playoff Games | Price (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock | Wild Card Series | From $10.99 |
| HBO Max | ALDS and ALCS (TBS games) | From $10.99 |
| FOX One | NLDS, NLCS and World Series | $19.99 |
| MLB.TV | Not live in the US for the postseason | $29.99 |
MLB.TV subscribers can watch playoff games in the MLB app only by signing in with a pay TV provider that carries the network. On its own, MLB.TV does not stream the postseason live in the US.
Live TV Streaming Services for the MLB Playoffs
A live TV service puts most playoff channels in one app. Check for TBS, since not every service has it.
| Service | NBC | TBS | FOX and FS1 | Price (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | $83 |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | $90 |
| DirecTV Stream | Yes | Yes | Yes | From $90 |
| Sling Orange + Blue | Select markets | Yes | FS1 (FOX in select markets) | $61 |
| Fubo Pro | Yes | No | Yes | $89 |
Fubo does not carry TBS, so you would need HBO Max for the American League playoffs. Local channels depend on your ZIP code.
Can You Watch the MLB Playoffs for Free?
Many games, yes. An HD antenna picks up NBC and FOX free in most US homes. That covers the Wild Card Series, most NL playoff games and the entire World Series.
- FS1, TBS and truTV games need a pay TV plan or a streaming app.
- Some services offer free trials. Terms change often, so check before you sign up.
How to Watch the 2026 World Series
The World Series starts Friday, October 23 on FOX. Games 6 and 7, if needed, are on October 30 and 31.
- TV: FOX (English), FOX Deportes (Spanish)
- Streaming: FOX One, or the FOX Sports app with a TV login
- Free: FOX with an antenna
Watching the MLB Playoffs Outside the US
MLB sends postseason coverage to more than 200 countries and territories in 16 languages. In many countries, MLB.TV streams playoff and World Series games live, since US blackout rules do not apply. Check MLB.TV for your country before you subscribe, as local TV deals can change what is available.
Knowing how to watch the MLB playoffs 2026 comes down to three partners: NBC for the Wild Card Series, TBS for the American League and FOX for the National League and the World Series.
An antenna covers many games for free, and Peacock, HBO Max and FOX One fill the gaps. Following other sports too? See how to watch the NFL playoffs and NBA playoffs.
FAQ: How to Watch MLB Playoff Games
What channel are the MLB playoffs on in 2026?
The Wild Card Series is on NBC and Peacock. The ALDS and ALCS air on TBS, the NLDS and NLCS on FOX and FS1, and the World Series on FOX.
When do the 2026 MLB playoffs start?
The Wild Card Series begins Tuesday, September 29. The Division Series starts October 3, and the World Series starts October 23.
Where can I stream the MLB Wild Card Series?
Every Wild Card Series game streams on Peacock. NBC airs the games on TV, with some on NBC Sports Network.
How can I stream TBS playoff games?
TBS games stream on HBO Max. You can also watch through YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream or Sling. Fubo does not carry TBS.
What channel is the 2026 World Series on?
Every World Series game airs on FOX, with Spanish coverage on FOX Deportes. You can stream it on FOX One.
Does MLB.TV show the playoffs?
Not on its own in the US. You need a pay TV login for the network to watch postseason games in the MLB app. Outside the US, MLB.TV often streams playoff games live.
How can I watch the MLB playoffs without cable?
Use Peacock, HBO Max and FOX One, or a live TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV that includes NBC, TBS, FOX and FS1.
Can I watch MLB playoff games for free?
Yes, games on NBC and FOX are free with an HD antenna. That includes the Wild Card Series and the whole World Series.
