How to watch MLB Playoffs: Live stream 2024 Wild Card games
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The 2024 MLB Playoffs are here, and the month-long run-up to the World Series kicks off with a slate of Wild Card games. We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch the MLB Playoffs, including TV packages that will grant you access to every single game.
The Playoffs will run from October 1-22. They're immediately followed by the World Series, which starts on October 25 and goes until November 2 at the very latest. The Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves are the 12 teams to clinch spots in the Playoffs. The Brewers, Yankees, Guardians, and Dodgers will begin play over the weekend after the bottom eight finish duking it out in the three-day Wild Card round this week.
Whether you're looking to live stream a game or you just want to know what channel it's on, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to watch every single game in the 2024 MLB Playoffs.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs in the US
The MLB Playoffs will be spread across several networks: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1, and TBS. If you don't have cable, you'll need a live TV package to tune into all the games. The Wild Card games will air on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, but the rest of the Playoffs (including the World Series) will be on FOX, FS1, and/or TBS.
The cheapest option today is Sling TV, which costs $55/month for its Sling Orange + Blue plan. Sling offers guaranteed access to ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and TBS. Local channel coverage, like ABC and FOX, varies from region to region. However, many ABC MLB games are simulcast on ESPN3 (which comes with Sling) and several FOX MLB games, with the exception of the World Series, are simulcast on FS1. Sling is currently running a promo that will get you $25 off your first month, meaning that you might be able to catch the entirety of the MLB Playoffs for just $30.
DirecTV Stream, DirecTV's equipment-less month-to-month sibling, is another great live TV package with every channel you'll need to stream the Playoffs. DirecTV has broad local channel coverage, so if you're missing something like FOX on Sling, this will be the way to go. Entertainment plans start at $80/month, although prices are scheduled to increase by $7/month starting this weekend. New customers can try out DirecTV free for one week.
Fubo is another solid live TV option with broad local channel coverage, along with ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1. Fubo notably lacks TBS (along with TNT, CNN, and other Warner Bros. channels). Subscriptions cost $80/month and include a one-week free trial for new customers.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs from anywhere
If you'll be traveling outside the US during any notable games in the 2024 MLB Playoffs, you can still keep up with your subscriptions via VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy cybersecurity tools that allow you to change your device's virtual location, meaning that you can keep up with all of your usual websites and apps from anywhere. This option will work best for Americans who are just traveling abroad since the services we've highlighted require US methods of payment.
Not sure where to start when it comes to VPNs? Our go-to recommendation is ExpressVPN, which comes with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN review for additional information, and keep reading to learn how to use it.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don't have one.
- Install it on the device you're using to watch the game.
- Turn it on and set it to a US location.
- Sign up for your chosen streaming service if you don't already have an account.
- Enjoy the game!
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.