October baseball is coming, and MLB is making some big changes to where fans will watch it.
Major League Baseball has announced the complete framework for the 2026 postseason, with the playoffs beginning September 29 and the World Series scheduled to start October 23. But for cord cutters, the biggest story is the new additions to the broadcast lineup.
The Wild Card Series is moving to NBC Sports (NBC, NBC Sports Network and Peacock) after years on ESPN. The Division Series and League Championship Series will be split between FOX Sports (FOX, FS1 and FOX One) and TNT Sports (TBS, truTV, and HBO Max), meaning baseball fans will need to keep track of several different streaming options throughout October.
The 2026 World Series will remain on FOX, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday, October 23. A potential Game 7 would be played on October 31.
How to Watch the 2026 MLB Playoffs
Instead of watching games with a traditional cable subscription, MLB has a streaming-friendly schedule for the upcoming postseason.
Here’s the quick breakdown for cord cutters:
Notably, MLB.TV does not provide every postseason game as a standalone streaming subscription. MLB says postseason games carried on FOX, FS1 and TNT Sports platforms will be available to MLB.TV subscribers who are authenticated subscribers to the applicable network through a participating pay-TV provider.
You can also stream the 2026 MLB Playoffs on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other compatible devices on major live TV streaming services, including DIRECTV, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Additionally, games airing on FOX and NBC are available to watch for free with an antenna.
What to Know About the 2026 MLB Playoffs
For the first time since the 2000 American League Championship Series, postseason baseball is returning to NBC. MLB says all four Wild Card Series will be presented across NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Network. The best-of-three round features the higher-seeded team hosting all three potential games. The round is scheduled to run from September 29 through October 1.
After the conclusion of the Wild Card Series, all four Division Series are scheduled to begin Saturday, October 3. The National League Division Series will air on FOX, FS1 and FOX One, while the American League Division Series will air across TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
The Championship Series will follow with FOX Sports coverage of the NLCS beginning on Sunday, October 11 and a potential Game 7 scheduled for Monday, October 19. Beginning on Monday, October 12, the ALCS will be covered by TNT Sports, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Tuesday, October 20.
The Fall Classic returns to FOX Sports with the 2026 World Series, beginning on Friday, October 23, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for October 31.
2026 MLB Playoffs Schedule
Wild Card Series
Where to Watch: NBC | NBC Sports Network | All games to stream on Peacock
Tuesday, September 29
AL Wild Card Series A, Game 1
AL Wild Card Series B, Game 1
NL Wild Card Series A, Game 1
NL Wild Card Series B, Game 1
Wednesday, September 30
AL Wild Card Series A, Game 2
AL Wild Card Series B, Game 2
NL Wild Card Series A, Game 2
NL Wild Card Series B, Game 2
Thursday, October 1
AL Wild Card Series A, Game 3*
AL Wild Card Series B, Game 3*
NL Wild Card Series A, Game 3*
NL Wild Card Series B, Game 3*
American League Division Series
Where to Watch: TBS | truTV | All games to stream on HBO Max
Saturday, October 3
ALDS A, Game 1
ALDS B, Game 1
Monday, October 5
ALDS A, Game 2
ALDS B, Game 2
Wednesday, October 7
ALDS A, Game 3
ALDS B, Game 3
ALDS A, Game 4*
ALDS B, Game 4*
Thursday, October 8
ALDS A, Game 4*
ALDS B, Game 4*
Saturday, October 10
ALDS A, Game 5*
ALDS B, Game 5*
National League Division Series
Where to Watch: FOX | FS1 | All games to stream on FOX One
Saturday, October 3
NLDS A, Game 1
NLDS B, Game 1
Sunday, October 4
NLDS A, Game 2
NLDS B, Game 2
Tuesday, October 6
NLDS A, Game 3
NLDS B, Game 3
Wednesday, October 7
NLDS A, Game 4*
NLDS B, Game 4*
Friday, October 9
NLDS A, Game 5*
NLDS B, Game 5*
National League Championship Series
Where to Watch: FOX | FS1 | All games to stream on FOX One
Sunday, October 11
Monday, October 12
Wednesday, October 14
Thursday, October 15
Friday, October 16
Sunday, October 18
Monday, October 19
American League Championship Series
Where to Watch: TBS | truTV | All games to stream on HBO Max
Monday, October 12
Tuesday, October 13
Thursday, October 15
Friday, October 16
Saturday, October 17
Monday, October 19
Tuesday, October 20
2026 World Series
Where to Watch: FOX | FOX One
Friday, October 23
Saturday, October 24
Monday, October 26
Tuesday, October 27
Wednesday, October 28
Friday, October 30
Saturday, October 31
*If necessary. **All dates are subject to change.