As of August 18, 2026, MLB Network has not returned to YouTube TV. No confirmed carriage agreement or return date has been announced. YouTube TV subscribers who want the network must currently use a separate MLB product or choose a live-TV provider that carries it.
When did MLB Network leave YouTube TV?
YouTube TV removed MLB Network on January 31, 2023, after the two companies failed to reach a renewal agreement. The public record does not establish the requested carriage fee, financial terms, contract language or which side made the final negotiating demand. Claims that MLB simply “charged too much” or that YouTube TV declined because of low viewing are unverified.
Later YouTube TV Community responses continued to say that MLB Network and MLB.TV were unavailable. Those posts are useful corroboration, but they are not a formal channel-lineup announcement: July 2025 response, April 2026 response and March 2026 response.
Is MLB Network coming back?
There is no verified evidence of a new deal, active public negotiation or launch date. A future agreement remains possible, but saying that MLB Network is “returning soon” goes beyond the available evidence.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- Confirmed: MLB Network is not in the regular YouTube TV lineup or a publicly documented YouTube TV add-on as of August 18, 2026.
- Documented: The previous carriage agreement ended after failed renewal negotiations.
- Not confirmed: A new sports tier, technical test, relaunch or renewed talks.
A temporary guide tile, stale metadata or playback error is not proof of carriage. Confirmation would require working access in the subscribed lineup and an announcement from MLB or YouTube TV.
What do the 2026 MLB media-rights deals change?
MLB’s three-year agreements for the 2026–2028 seasons assign important packages to ESPN, NBCUniversal and Netflix, and give ESPN responsibility for selling MLB.TV. The announcement does not say that MLB Network is returning to YouTube TV: MLB’s rights announcement.
NBCUniversal and YouTube also announced a broader partnership in July 2026, including Peacock content in the YouTube experience and an extension of NBCUniversal’s YouTube TV distribution agreement. It mentions MLB games available through Peacock, but not MLB Network carriage: NBCUniversal’s announcement.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
These are separate arrangements. Game rights, MLB.TV distribution and the right to carry the linear MLB Network channel can be negotiated independently. MLB’s new direct-to-consumer options may reduce the immediate need to place the network on every virtual multichannel service, but that is an inference—not a prediction or announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →MLB Network, MLB.TV and MLB+: what is the difference?
- MLB Network: A linear channel with MLB Tonight, news, analysis, highlights, live games, Spring Training coverage and original programming.
- MLB.TV: Primarily an out-of-market game package, with blackout and national-exclusivity restrictions.
- MLB+: MLB’s separate direct-to-consumer package, including 24/7 MLB Network access in the United States but not the complete MLB.TV game inventory.
MLB+ and MLB.TV can be used alongside YouTube TV, but neither is an MLB Network channel inside the YouTube TV guide or DVR.
Best ways to watch MLB Network without YouTube TV
| Option | Best for | Observed price (August 2026) | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLB+ | MLB Network and baseball extras | $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year | Not every out-of-market game |
| MLB.TV | Out-of-market games plus MLB Network | $149.99 per season or $29.99 per month; $134.99 seasonal price shown for eligible ESPN Unlimited subscribers | Blackouts and national exclusivity |
| DIRECTV | MLB Network with broader live-TV coverage | MySports & MyNews Duo listed at $79.99 per month | Higher cost and market/package variation |
MLB+: the closest substitute for the channel
The official MLB+ subscription page lists $5.99 monthly or $59.99 annual pricing as observed in August 2026. It includes 24/7 MLB Network streaming in the U.S., live audio for all 30 teams, select out-of-market games shown on MLB Network, Minor League Baseball games, MLB Big Inning and Gameday 3D.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
MLB+ does not replace the full MLB.TV out-of-market inventory. MLB also advertised a temporary $49.99 annual promotion in 2026; that sale price should not be treated as the standard rate: promotion details.
MLB.TV: better for out-of-market games
The official ESPN/MLB page lists MLB.TV at $149.99 per season or $29.99 per month for 2026, with a $134.99 seasonal price shown for eligible ESPN Unlimited subscribers. The package includes live out-of-market regular-season games, MLB Network access in the U.S., MLB Big Inning, on-demand games and archives.
- Local-team games can be blacked out.
- Nationally exclusive games may not appear in the expected MLB.TV feed.
- It is not a universal replacement for every local, national or postseason broadcast.
- Its MLB Network access is separate from YouTube TV’s guide and DVR.
DIRECTV: a full live-TV replacement
DIRECTV lists MLB Network on channel 213 and offers it in packages including MySports and higher tiers: channel information. Its MLB page listed MySports & MyNews Duo at $79.99 per month in 2026. A separate promotion showed $64.99 for the first month on certain plans with a five-day trial; promotional eligibility and expiration must be checked at signup. A published lineup is available at DIRECTV’s channel document.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
DIRECTV can combine MLB Network with local stations, national networks and eligible regional sports options, but it costs far more than MLB+ and may include channels you do not want. Check your ZIP code, local stations, regional sports availability, package tier and post-promotion price first.
Which option fits your viewing goal?
- Only MLB Network studio shows and news: Choose MLB+. It is the most direct and least expensive replacement.
- Every practical out-of-market game: Choose MLB.TV, after checking your team’s blackout territory and national broadcast schedule.
- Local games plus MLB Network: Compare DIRECTV or another qualifying live-TV provider by ZIP code and package tier.
- Keep YouTube TV: Retain it for existing local and national channels, then add MLB+ or MLB.TV separately. You will use two apps and may encounter overlapping content, but you avoid buying a second full bundle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not confuse MLB+ with MLB.TV; they have different game inventories.
- Do not buy MLB.TV assuming it removes local blackouts.
- Do not treat a Peacock integration or another YouTube partnership as MLB Network carriage.
- Do not assume a 2026 promotional annual price for MLB+ is permanent.
- Do not treat fan posts, Reddit reports or a guide glitch as a contract announcement.
- Do not use a VPN to evade blackouts; that can violate service terms and does not change the underlying rights.
What would prove MLB Network has returned?
Look for all three signals: the channel plays for subscribers, it appears in YouTube TV’s official lineup or package documentation, and MLB or YouTube TV publishes a carriage announcement. Until then, the reliable status is unchanged: MLB Network remains unavailable on YouTube TV as of August 18, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLB Network free with YouTube TV?
No. MLB Network is not currently included in YouTube TV’s regular lineup or a publicly documented add-on.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Does MLB.TV include MLB Network?
The 2026 MLB.TV page says MLB Network access is included in the U.S., but MLB.TV remains subject to blackouts and national exclusivity.
Does MLB+ include every MLB game?
No. MLB+ includes 24/7 MLB Network access and selected baseball content, not the complete out-of-market inventory offered by MLB.TV.
Why did YouTube TV drop MLB Network?
The public explanation was that YouTube TV and MLB failed to reach a renewal agreement. The specific financial and contractual terms were not disclosed.
Can a guide listing confirm MLB Network’s return?
No. A stale listing, metadata error or temporary preview tile is not confirmation without working playback, official lineup evidence and a public carriage announcement.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can I watch local games with MLB.TV?
Local games may be blacked out, and national exclusivity can affect availability. Check the applicable blackout and broadcast rules before subscribing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
