YouTube TV surprised baseball fans this year by dropping MLB Network from their channel lineup after failing to reach a renewal agreement.
This guide explains what happened between MLB and YouTube TV, whether you can still watch baseball through the streaming service, and the best alternatives for cord-cutters to catch games this season.
What Happened Between MLB Network and YouTube TV?
On January 31st, 2023, YouTube TV removed MLB Network from their platform after their contract expired.
According to MLB, “YouTube TV has been unwilling to negotiate a fair carriage agreement. MLB Network has offered terms consistent with what close to 300 other U.S. providers have agreed to for distribution.”
YouTube TV increased subscription prices in early 2023 from $64.99 to $72.99 per month. Rising content costs and continued investments were cited, but the removal of MLB Network shortly after the price hike angered many baseball fans.
Can You Still Watch Baseball on YouTube TV?
While you can no longer watch MLB Network or access past recordings, YouTube TV retains other channels airing baseball games in 2025 including:
- Fox
- ESPN
- TBS
So you can still catch national broadcasts and games featuring your local team. Just not the extensive out-of-market coverage offered by MLB Network.
Want to enjoy MLB games on the big screen? Here’s how to get MLB.TV working on your Firestick with just a few quick steps.
Top 4 Alternatives for Streaming MLB Network
Here are the best platforms for watching MLB Network after its removal from YouTube TV:
- Sling TV ($35/month) – Offers MLB Network and channels like Fox Sports 1, ESPN, and TBS to catch baseball games live or on demand.
- FuboTV ($70/month) – Includes MLB Network plus 100+ channels. Also offers MLB.TV ($7/month extra) for access to out-of-market games.
- DirecTV Stream ($70/month) – Carries MLB Network along with top sports channels for streaming baseball matchups all season.
- Hulu + Live TV ($70/month) – While they don’t carry MLB Network, Hulu Live provides ESPN, Fox, TBS and local channels for baseball.
When comparing top streaming platforms, Sling TV stands out as the most affordable live TV service with MLB Network. FuboTV offers the unique advantage of MLB.TV integration.
How does Spectrum TV compare to YouTube TV when it comes to sports, packages and pricing?
See how live TV providers like Dish Network and YouTube TV fare across various categories.
The Key Takeaway
While die-hard baseball fans miss having MLB Network included on YouTube TV, plenty of alternative streaming providers exist. Services like Sling TV and FuboTV offer more robust sports offerings at competitive rates.
For the 2023 season, cord-cutters can still catch baseball action through a combination of YouTube TV (for local teams and national broadcasts) plus MLB Network from a separate streaming provider. Going forward, hopefully YouTube TV and MLB Network resolve their differences before 2025.
For Samsung smart TV owners wondering how to watch MLB on Samsung television sets, the process is pretty straightforward – we’ll outline it in this guide.
FAQs About YouTube TV and MLB in 2025
What is the cheapest way to stream MLB Network?
Sling TV is the most budget-friendly live TV streaming service with MLB Network, starting at just $35 per month.
What streaming services offer free trials for MLB Network?
FuboTV offers a 7-day free trial for new users. DirecTV Stream also provides a 5-day trial.
Can I stream baseball games on my phone?
Yes, services like FuboTV or Sling TV allow you to install apps on iOS and Android mobile devices to stream MLB games on the go.
Will YouTube TV add back MLB Network?
While YouTube TV has said they hope to eventually restore MLB Network, there is no definitive timeline. Check their latest updates for any changes.
