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The 2024 MLB Playoffs are here, and the weeks-long run-up to the World Series kicked 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 ran from October 1 until October 20. They're immediately followed by the World Series, which is scheduled to start on October 25. Should the World Series make it to Game 7, the final game will take place on November 2. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will face off in the best-of-seven showdown.
The Yankees swiftly advanced through the Playoffs, beating out the Cleveland Guardians in five games in the American League Championship. The Dodgers had a bit more of a challenge with the New York Mets but ultimately eliminated the team in Game 6 of the National League Championship. The Dodgers were last in the World Series in 2020, which they won against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees haven't been to the World Series since 2009, when they beat out the Philadelphia Phillies to secure the title.
If you're interested in going to see the World Series in person, check out our guide to buying World Series tickets. Otherwise, you can keep reading to learn how to watch the games from home.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs in the US
The MLB Playoffs air 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 aired on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, but the rest of the Playoffs (including the World Series) were broadcast on FOX, FS1, and TBS. The World Series will air only on FOX.
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. Sling is usually running a promo that will get you half-off your first month, meaning that you might be able to catch the entirety of the MLB Playoffs for just under $30. If you're only interested in watching the World Series, you can just subscribe to Sling Blue for $40/month (after confirming that FOX is available in your area).
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for. It's more customizable than other plans, with three options you can choose from, so you pay for only what you need. New members get their first month for half-off.
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.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
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.
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it'll cost you extra.
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.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.
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.
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