YouTube TV has become a hotbed for sports streaming thanks in large part to its exclusive deal with the National Football League. So for those who want to get NFL Sunday Ticket and watch other sports on YouTube TV, one might be wondering if the MLB Network — which airs a slew of games throughout the regular season — is also available on the platform. Here’s what baseball fans should know.
YouTube TV and Major League Baseball
No, MLB Network is not on YouTube TV as of the 2024 season.
While YouTube TV does offer other league-associated networks like NBA TV and NFL Network, to even college networks like the SEC Network, the MLB Network is not one of them.
This wasn’t, however, always the case. Before 2023, Major League Baseball had its dedicated network on the platform and aired special YouTube-exclusive baseball games throughout the regular season.
But in January 2023, YouTube TV dropped the network just weeks after the former’s parent company acquired the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket. Over a year later, MLB Network is still unavailable on the streaming platform.
Both sides went without a deal throughout all of 2023 and that has continued into 2024. As of Opening Day 2024, MLB’s official network is still unavailable on the streaming platform.
Other streaming platforms, like Hulu, Sling, DirectTV Stream, and Fubo, do offer MLB Network. However, be forewarned that consumers may have to purchase an add-on package. For example, Sling’s Blue and Orange packages do not offer it on the base tier but do with the Sports Extra pass.
The Sling Sports Extra pass is an add-on package that costs more than the regular version.
As for Fubo, MLB Network is available alongside the NHL Network and NBA TV as part of Fubo Extra.
In the summer of 2024, Major League Baseball offered an outright, direct-to-customer option for the network. Baseball fans can pay $5.99 a month for it, or $6.99 with At-Bat.
Are MLB games available on YouTube TV?
While MLB Network may not be on YouTube TV, MLB games are available on the streaming platform.
ESPN, TBS, and FS1, which air MLB games, are on the platform. Additionally, regional sports networks (depending on availability in one’s local market) are also on YouTube TV.
For those interested in MLB.TV, check out our guide on how consumers can save money on a subscription.