Are you a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan looking for ways to catch your favorite team in action? With the rise of streaming services, it’s now easier than ever to watch live sports from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can watch the Cubs on YouTube TV and provide a comprehensive guide on how to do so.
What is YouTube TV?
Before we dive into the specifics of watching the Cubs on YouTube TV, let’s take a brief look at what the service has to offer. YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that provides access to a wide range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. With YouTube TV, you can watch live TV on your computer, smartphone, or streaming device, making it a great option for cord-cutters.
YouTube TV Channels
YouTube TV offers a robust lineup of channels, including many popular sports networks. Some of the channels available on YouTube TV include:
- ESPN
- Fox Sports 1
- Fox Sports 2
- NBC Sports Network
- MLB Network
Can You Watch the Cubs on YouTube TV?
Now, let’s get to the question at hand: can you watch the Cubs on YouTube TV? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. YouTube TV offers live coverage of Cubs games through its partnership with NBC Sports Chicago and Marquee Sports Network.
NBC Sports Chicago
NBC Sports Chicago is the official broadcast partner of the Chicago Cubs, and YouTube TV carries the network as part of its channel lineup. This means that you can watch Cubs games live on YouTube TV, as long as they are broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.
Marquee Sports Network
In 2020, the Cubs launched their own regional sports network, Marquee Sports Network. Marquee Sports Network is available on YouTube TV, and it offers exclusive coverage of Cubs games, as well as other Cubs-related programming.
How to Watch the Cubs on YouTube TV
Now that we’ve established that you can watch the Cubs on YouTube TV, let’s take a look at how to do so.
Signing Up for YouTube TV
To watch the Cubs on YouTube TV, you’ll need to sign up for the service. Here’s how:
- Go to the YouTube TV website and click on the “Try it free” button.
- Enter your email address and password to create a YouTube TV account.
- Choose your plan and add any additional channels or features you want.
- Enter your payment information and complete the sign-up process.
Watching Cubs Games on YouTube TV
Once you’ve signed up for YouTube TV, you can watch Cubs games live on the service. Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube TV app on your device.
- Navigate to the “Live” tab and select the NBC Sports Chicago or Marquee Sports Network channel.
- If a Cubs game is live, you’ll see it listed in the channel guide.
- Click on the game to start watching.
Additional Features and Benefits
YouTube TV offers a number of additional features and benefits that make it a great option for Cubs fans.
Cloud DVR
YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR feature that allows you to record live TV and watch it later. This is a great option if you can’t watch a Cubs game live, or if you want to re-watch a game later.
Multi-Device Support
YouTube TV allows you to watch live TV on multiple devices at the same time. This means that you can watch a Cubs game on your TV while your family members watch other channels on their devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, YouTube TV is a great option for Cubs fans who want to watch live games from the comfort of their own home. With its robust lineup of channels, including NBC Sports Chicago and Marquee Sports Network, YouTube TV offers live coverage of Cubs games. Additionally, the service offers a number of additional features and benefits, including cloud DVR and multi-device support. If you’re a Cubs fan looking for a streaming service that meets your needs, YouTube TV is definitely worth considering.
YouTube TV Pricing and Plans
YouTube TV offers a single plan that includes access to all of its channels, including NBC Sports Chicago and Marquee Sports Network. The plan costs $64.99 per month, and it includes:
- Access to over 85 channels, including sports, news, and entertainment
- Cloud DVR with unlimited storage
- Multi-device support
- 3 simultaneous streams
You can also add additional channels or features to your plan, including:
- HBO: $14.99 per month
- Showtime: $10.99 per month
- Starz: $8.99 per month
- NBA League Pass: $28.99 per month
- MLB.TV: $24.99 per month
YouTube TV Availability
YouTube TV is available in the United States, and it can be streamed on a variety of devices, including:
- Computers
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices, such as Roku and Chromecast
You can also download the YouTube TV app on your device to watch live TV on the go.
Watching the Cubs on YouTube TV: A Comparison to Other Streaming Services
YouTube TV is just one of many streaming services that offer live coverage of Cubs games. Here’s how it compares to other popular streaming services:
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV offers live coverage of Cubs games through its partnership with NBC Sports Chicago and Marquee Sports Network. However, it does not offer as many channels as YouTube TV, and its cloud DVR feature is limited to 50 hours of storage.
- Sling TV: Sling TV offers live coverage of Cubs games through its partnership with NBC Sports Chicago, but it does not carry Marquee Sports Network. It also offers a more limited channel lineup than YouTube TV.
- AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now offers live coverage of Cubs games through its partnership with NBC Sports Chicago and Marquee Sports Network. However, it is more expensive than YouTube TV, and its cloud DVR feature is limited to 20 hours of storage.
Ultimately, the best streaming service for watching the Cubs will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, YouTube TV is a great option for fans who want live coverage of Cubs games, as well as a robust lineup of channels and additional features.
Is YouTube TV available in my area to watch the Cubs?
YouTube TV is available in most areas across the United States. However, availability may vary depending on your location. You can check the YouTube TV website to see if the service is available in your area. Simply enter your zip code, and you’ll be able to see the channels available in your region, including those that broadcast Cubs games.
If YouTube TV is not available in your area, you may want to consider alternative streaming services that offer Cubs games. Some popular options include Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and AT&T TV Now. These services may offer similar channel lineups and features to YouTube TV, but availability and pricing may vary.
What channels do I need to watch the Cubs on YouTube TV?
To watch the Cubs on YouTube TV, you’ll need to have access to the channels that broadcast their games. The main channels that carry Cubs games are Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago, and ESPN. Marquee Sports Network is the exclusive home of the Cubs, and it broadcasts most of their games. NBC Sports Chicago also carries some Cubs games, as well as other Chicago sports teams. ESPN broadcasts a selection of Cubs games nationally.
If you subscribe to YouTube TV, you’ll get access to all of these channels, as well as many others. You can check the YouTube TV website to see the full channel lineup and to confirm that the channels you need to watch the Cubs are included.
How much does it cost to watch the Cubs on YouTube TV?
The cost of watching the Cubs on YouTube TV depends on the subscription plan you choose. YouTube TV offers a single plan that costs $64.99 per month. This plan includes access to over 85 channels, including Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago, and ESPN. You’ll also get unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record and watch Cubs games at your convenience.
In addition to the base plan, you can also add on some optional features, such as 4K Plus, which allows you to watch select content in 4K resolution. You can also add on some premium channels, such as HBO or Showtime. However, these add-ons are not required to watch the Cubs, and you can stick with the base plan if you prefer.
Can I watch the Cubs on YouTube TV on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, you can watch the Cubs on YouTube TV on multiple devices at the same time. YouTube TV allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously, which is perfect for families or households with multiple Cubs fans. You can watch on your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone, and you can even cast content from your device to your TV using Chromecast.
To watch on multiple devices, simply sign in to your YouTube TV account on each device, and you’ll be able to access the Cubs games and other content. You can also use the YouTube TV app to watch on the go, whether you’re commuting to work or traveling.
Can I record Cubs games on YouTube TV?
Yes, you can record Cubs games on YouTube TV. In fact, one of the best features of YouTube TV is its unlimited cloud DVR storage. This means that you can record as many Cubs games as you want, and you’ll never run out of space. You can record games manually, or you can set up a series recording to capture every Cubs game.
To record a Cubs game, simply navigate to the game in the YouTube TV app, and click the “Record” button. You can also set up a series recording by searching for “Chicago Cubs” and selecting the “Record all episodes” option. Your recorded games will be stored in the cloud, and you can access them at any time.
Is YouTube TV a good option for watching the Cubs if I don’t live in the Chicago area?
If you don’t live in the Chicago area, YouTube TV may still be a good option for watching the Cubs. While some Cubs games may be blacked out in certain areas due to regional restrictions, YouTube TV offers a feature called “out-of-market” viewing. This allows you to watch Cubs games even if you don’t live in the Chicago area.
However, it’s worth noting that out-of-market viewing may not be available for all Cubs games. Some games may still be blacked out, especially if they are broadcast nationally on ESPN or other networks. But for the most part, YouTube TV’s out-of-market viewing feature makes it a great option for Cubs fans who don’t live in the Chicago area.
Can I cancel my YouTube TV subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your YouTube TV subscription at any time. YouTube TV is a month-to-month service, which means that you’re not locked into a long-term contract. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you’ll still be able to access the service until the end of your billing cycle.
To cancel your subscription, simply navigate to the YouTube TV website and sign in to your account. Click on the “Settings” icon, and then select “Membership.” From there, you can click the “Cancel membership” button to cancel your subscription. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your subscription will be cancelled at the end of your billing cycle.