ESPN Becomes MLB.TV’s New Hub: Pricing, Plans & Fan Essentials
Major League Baseball (MLB) fans can look forward to an exciting new arrangement for the 2026 season. Starting February 10, 2026, ESPN will become the new streaming hub for MLB.TV, allowing fans to stream out-of-market games directly through the ESPN app.
MLB.TV’s Transition to ESPN
This shift comes after a new rights agreement between MLB and ESPN, marking a departure from MLB’s previous setup. ESPN aims to enhance the experience for fans, integrating MLB.TV into its ecosystem.
Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN, stated, “This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering quality baseball content to fans.” With this change, subscribers of the ESPN Unlimited plan can now enjoy additional flexibility and viewing options during the MLB regular season.
MLB.TV Pricing and Plans
The pricing structure for MLB.TV on ESPN is designed to cater to various viewer preferences:
- Seasonal Plan: $149.99 for the full season, with one month of free ESPN Unlimited for new subscribers.
- Monthly Plan: $29.99, also including a one-month free trial of ESPN Unlimited for new buyers.
- ESPN Unlimited Subscribers: Seasonal access at a discounted rate of $134.99, renewing at the current price for subsequent seasons.
Please note that new MLB.TV purchases automatically include access to MLB Network through the World Series.
Features Included with MLB.TV
Subscribers will gain access to the following features:
- Out-of-market live games, available on-demand.
- MLB Big Inning highlights and content.
- Audio feeds for various games.
- Integration with ESPN features, including multiview and fantasy info.
However, it’s crucial to remember that single-team packages are exclusively available through MLB.com and not through ESPN.
Viewing Options and Compatibility
MLB.TV will be accessible on a broad range of devices. Support includes:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Google TV
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
- Mobile devices and web browsers
Fans should ensure they have the latest version of the ESPN app on their devices for optimal streaming.
Cancellations and Blackout Policies
Even with the new streaming deal, blackout and regional restrictions will still apply. If you reside within a team’s local market, some games may be blacked out. Fans can verify blackout rules by using MLB’s blackout lookup tool to check specific ZIP codes.
In Summary
The arrival of MLB.TV on ESPN marks an exciting chapter for baseball streaming. With various plans available and enhanced features for fan engagement, this transition is poised to elevate the viewing experience. Be sure to take advantage of the free trial options and familiarize yourself with the terms of service to enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season.
