As the crack of the bat and the smell of freshly cut grass signal the start of another exciting baseball season, fans are eager to catch their favorite teams in action. With the rise of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to watch live sports from the comfort of your own home. But does Sling TV, one of the most popular streaming services on the market, offer MLB coverage? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Sling TV and explore its MLB offerings.
What is Sling TV?
Before we dive into the world of MLB on Sling TV, let’s take a step back and explore what Sling TV is all about. Sling TV is a streaming service that allows users to access live TV channels without the need for a traditional cable subscription. Launched in 2015, Sling TV has quickly become one of the most popular streaming services on the market, with over 2.5 million subscribers as of 2022.
Sling TV offers a range of channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and more. Users can choose from two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Sling Orange offers a range of channels, including ESPN, TBS, and TNT, while Sling Blue offers a different set of channels, including NBC, FOX, and USA Network. Users can also add additional channels and packages to their subscription, including sports-focused packages like the Sports Extra add-on.
MLB on Sling TV: What’s Available?
So, does Sling TV have MLB? The answer is a bit complicated. While Sling TV does offer some MLB coverage, it’s not as comprehensive as some fans might hope. Here’s what you need to know:
- ESPN: Sling TV offers ESPN, which is the primary broadcast partner of MLB. This means that users can catch ESPN’s MLB coverage, including Monday Night Baseball, Wednesday Night Baseball, and Sunday Night Baseball.
- FOX: Sling TV also offers FOX, which broadcasts MLB games on Saturdays and during the postseason.
- FS1: Sling TV offers FS1, which broadcasts MLB games and analysis shows.
- MLB Network: Sling TV offers the MLB Network, which provides 24/7 coverage of all things baseball.
However, there are some limitations to Sling TV’s MLB coverage. For example:
- Local blackouts: Sling TV is subject to local blackouts, which means that users may not be able to watch their local team’s games if they’re broadcast on a local channel.
- No MLB.TV: Sling TV does not offer MLB.TV, which is the official streaming service of MLB. MLB.TV provides live and on-demand access to every MLB game, but it’s not available on Sling TV.
MLB on Sling TV: What’s Not Available?
While Sling TV does offer some MLB coverage, there are some notable omissions. Here are a few things that you won’t find on Sling TV:
- Regional sports networks: Sling TV does not offer regional sports networks (RSNs), which are the primary broadcast partners of many MLB teams. This means that users may not be able to watch their local team’s games if they’re broadcast on an RSN.
- MLB Extra Innings: Sling TV does not offer MLB Extra Innings, which is a package that provides out-of-market MLB games.
Alternatives to Sling TV for MLB Coverage
If you’re looking for more comprehensive MLB coverage, there are several alternatives to Sling TV. Here are a few options:
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers a range of MLB channels, including ESPN, FOX, FS1, and MLB Network. It also offers MLB.TV, which provides live and on-demand access to every MLB game.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV offers a range of MLB channels, including ESPN, FOX, FS1, and MLB Network. It also offers MLB.TV, which provides live and on-demand access to every MLB game.
- FuboTV: FuboTV is a sports-focused streaming service that offers a range of MLB channels, including ESPN, FOX, FS1, and MLB Network. It also offers MLB.TV, which provides live and on-demand access to every MLB game.
MLB Streaming Services: A Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the MLB streaming services mentioned above:
| Service | MLB Channels | MLB.TV | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | ESPN, FOX, FS1, MLB Network | No | $30-$45/month |
| YouTube TV | ESPN, FOX, FS1, MLB Network | Yes | $64.99/month |
| Hulu with Live TV | ESPN, FOX, FS1, MLB Network | Yes | $64.99/month |
| FuboTV | ESPN, FOX, FS1, MLB Network | Yes | $64.99-$79.99/month |
Conclusion
While Sling TV does offer some MLB coverage, it’s not as comprehensive as some fans might hope. However, with the addition of ESPN, FOX, FS1, and MLB Network, Sling TV is still a great option for baseball fans who want to catch some live action. If you’re looking for more comprehensive MLB coverage, you may want to consider alternatives like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or FuboTV. Ultimately, the best streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
As the baseball season heats up, fans are eager to catch their favorite teams in action. With the rise of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to watch live sports from the comfort of your own home. While Sling TV may not offer the most comprehensive MLB coverage, it’s still a great option for fans who want to catch some live action. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual observer, there’s never been a better time to catch the game.
Does Sling TV have MLB?
Sling TV offers MLB Network as an add-on channel to its Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages. However, it does not offer any other MLB channels like ESPN, FS1, or local RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) that broadcast live MLB games. To watch live MLB games, you may need to subscribe to additional channels or packages.
You can add the MLB Network to your Sling TV package for a small monthly fee. This will give you access to MLB Network’s exclusive content, including live games, analysis, and news. However, if you want to watch live games on other channels, you may need to consider other streaming options or subscribe to additional channels through Sling TV.
Can I watch live MLB games on Sling TV?
While Sling TV does offer MLB Network, it does not offer many live MLB games. To watch live MLB games, you may need to subscribe to additional channels or packages that offer RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) or national networks like ESPN or FS1. Sling TV does offer some RSNs, but the availability of these channels varies depending on your location.
If you want to watch live MLB games on Sling TV, you can consider adding the Sports Extra package to your subscription. This package includes channels like NFL RedZone, NHL Network, and MLB Network, but it may not include the RSNs that broadcast live MLB games in your area. You can check Sling TV’s website to see which channels are available in your area.
How much does it cost to add MLB Network to Sling TV?
The cost of adding MLB Network to Sling TV varies depending on your subscription package. If you subscribe to Sling Orange or Sling Blue, you can add MLB Network as an add-on channel for a small monthly fee. The exact cost may vary depending on your location and the other channels you subscribe to.
You can check Sling TV’s website to see the current pricing for MLB Network and other add-on channels. Keep in mind that prices may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Can I watch MLB games on Sling TV if I live outside the US?
Sling TV is only available to residents of the United States. If you live outside the US, you will not be able to subscribe to Sling TV or watch MLB games on the platform. However, there may be other streaming options available in your country that offer MLB games.
If you’re a US resident living abroad, you may be able to access Sling TV using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). However, this may be against Sling TV’s terms of service, and it’s not guaranteed to work. You should check Sling TV’s website for more information on their policies regarding VPNs and international access.
Does Sling TV offer any free MLB content?
Sling TV does offer some free MLB content, including news and analysis on MLB Network. However, if you want to watch live MLB games, you will need to subscribe to a package that includes the necessary channels. Sling TV does offer a free trial period, during which you can watch MLB Network and other channels for free.
Keep in mind that the free trial period is only available to new subscribers, and it’s limited to a certain number of days. After the trial period ends, you will need to subscribe to a package to continue watching MLB content on Sling TV.
Can I watch MLB games on Sling TV using a streaming device?
Yes, you can watch MLB games on Sling TV using a variety of streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV. Sling TV has apps available for these devices, which allow you to stream live TV and on-demand content directly to your TV.
To watch MLB games on Sling TV using a streaming device, you will need to download and install the Sling TV app on your device. Then, you can sign in to your Sling TV account and start watching live TV, including MLB games on MLB Network.
Is Sling TV a good option for MLB fans?
Sling TV may not be the best option for MLB fans who want to watch live games. While it does offer MLB Network, it does not offer many other channels that broadcast live MLB games. If you want to watch live games, you may need to consider other streaming options or subscribe to additional channels through Sling TV.
However, if you’re looking for a streaming service that offers a variety of channels at an affordable price, Sling TV may be a good option. It offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment, and it’s available on a variety of devices.