How to Watch the 2026 MLB Playoffs: TV Channels, Streaming & Schedule
The 2026 MLB postseason begins Tuesday, September 29, with the Wild Card Series. From the opening round to the World Series, this guide explains where to watch in the U.S., which streaming subscriptions you need, and how the playoff format works.
For the latest matchups, start times and individual channel assignments, visit our MLB TV schedule.
What channels are the 2026 MLB playoffs on?
Postseason coverage is split between NBCUniversal, TNT Sports and FOX. NBC and NBCSN cover the Wild Card round, TBS and truTV carry the American League Division and Championship Series, and FOX or FS1 carry the National League Division and Championship Series. The World Series airs on FOX.
The table below separates television channels from direct streaming services, so you can see the options for each round.
| Round | Scheduled dates | TV channels | Direct streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Series | Sep 29–Oct 1 | NBC NBCSN | Peacock |
| AL Division Series | Oct 3–10 | TBS truTV | HBO Max |
| NL Division Series | Oct 3–9 | FOX FS1 | FOX One |
| AL Championship Series | Oct 12–20 | TBS truTV | HBO Max |
| NL Championship Series | Oct 11–19 | FOX FS1 | FOX One |
| World Series | Oct 23–31 | FOX | FOX One |
English-language U.S. coverage. AL means American League; NL means National League. Date ranges include games played only if necessary, and dates remain subject to change. Check each game’s listing for its assigned channel. Subscription requirements are explained below.
Schedule: MLB postseason schedule.
How to stream the MLB playoffs without cable
You can watch postseason baseball through direct streaming subscriptions or a live TV streaming package. The right choice depends on which rounds you want to watch and what you already subscribe to.
| Service | Postseason coverage | Access required |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock | Wild Card Series | Premium or Premium Plus |
| HBO Max | AL Division Series and AL Championship Series | Standard or Premium; live sports are included in these plans |
| FOX One | NL Division Series, NL Championship Series and World Series | A direct subscription or eligible TV-provider access |
Check the service’s current plans and location restrictions before subscribing. These options cover different rounds; choose the subscriptions that match the games you want to watch.
Watching through a live TV streaming service
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are alternatives to traditional cable. Before choosing a package, check its current lineup for NBC, NBCSN, FOX, FS1 and TBS or truTV. Local NBC and FOX availability can depend on your ZIP code.
Fubo does not include TBS, so it should not be treated as a complete postseason solution on its own. Check its current lineup and arrange separate access for any missing games.
How to watch the 2026 World Series
The World Series begins Friday, October 23, with a possible Game 7 on Saturday, October 31. Every game of the best-of-seven series airs on FOX.
For streaming, use FOX One or a live TV service that carries your local FOX station. Check your existing package before adding another subscription, and confirm the start time on our MLB TV schedule.
How does the MLB postseason work?
Twelve teams qualify: six from the American League and six from the National League. The top two seeds in each league receive a bye to the Division Series. The other four teams in each league begin in the Wild Card round.
- Wild Card Best of 3
- Division Series Best of 5
- League Championship Best of 7
- World Series Best of 7
The top two seeds in each league enter at the Division Series.
Wild Card Series
The No. 3 seed faces the No. 6 seed, while No. 4 plays No. 5 in each league. The higher seed hosts every game in each best-of-three series.
Division Series
The No. 1 seed faces the winner of the No. 4–No. 5 matchup, while No. 2 faces the winner of No. 3–No. 6. Each best-of-five series uses a 2–2–1 home-game pattern: the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, plus Game 5 if needed.
League Championship Series
The two remaining teams in each league meet in a best-of-seven series. The higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, plus Games 6 and 7 if needed; the other team hosts Games 3, 4 and 5, with Game 5 played only if necessary.
World Series
The American League and National League champions meet in a best-of-seven series, using the same 2–3–2 home-game pattern. Home-field advantage follows the better regular-season record. See MLB’s format guide.
MLB postseason viewing FAQs
Are any MLB playoff games exclusive to streaming?
No. The announced U.S. coverage includes a television option for every round. NBCUniversal’s Peacock-exclusive postseason games are also available on NBCSN, its cable sports channel. Check your game’s listing rather than assuming it will air on the main NBC network. NBCUniversal’s rights announcement explains the arrangement.
Can you watch the playoffs on MLB.TV?
U.S. MLB.TV subscribers need participating pay-TV authentication for FOX/FS1 or TBS postseason games. Live Wild Card coverage is excluded. See MLB.TV’s postseason requirements.
MLB.TV subscribers can watch full-game replays around 90 minutes after the final pitch. For more about the service, read our MLB.TV review.
Do blackout rules apply during the postseason?
The postseason uses national broadcasters rather than the regular season’s regional coverage. That does not make every game available through every subscription: national exclusivity, your package and your location still affect access.
Check the broadcaster or streaming service carrying your game, especially if you are traveling or watching outside the U.S. Peacock and HBO Max publish their viewing restrictions. For regular-season coverage, see our MLB in-market streaming and local coverage guide.
Which FOX app should you use?
FOX One replaced the FOX Sports TV app on May 7, 2026; the mobile/tablet app remains available. See FOX’s app guidance.