Baseball fans, the regular season is over, and the excitement of the MLB Playoffs is upon us! You’ve followed your team all year, cheered through the highs and lows, and now it’s time for the ultimate showdown. But one question remains: Can you watch the playoffs on the MLB app?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the MLB app offers a wealth of baseball content, playoff access is a bit more complicated. This guide will break down everything you need to know about watching the MLB Playoffs on the app, including the different options available and potential limitations.
Understanding MLB.TV and its Limitations
First, let’s clarify what the MLB app offers. The MLB app is your all-access pass to the world of baseball, providing access to game scores, news, stats, and more. For subscribers to MLB.TV, the app also acts as a streaming platform, offering live and on-demand access to regular season games.
However, when it comes to the playoffs, MLB.TV subscribers face a significant restriction: they cannot stream live playoff games. This restriction applies to both the regular MLB.TV subscription and the more expensive “Premium” version.
Why the restriction? It all boils down to broadcasting rights. While MLB.TV allows you to watch regular season games, the playoffs are primarily broadcast by regional sports networks and national television channels like ESPN and TBS. These networks hold exclusive broadcasting rights, meaning MLB.TV cannot stream their live broadcasts.
Alternative Ways to Watch the Playoffs on the MLB App
Although you can’t stream live playoff games directly through the app, there are still ways to experience the postseason action using the MLB app.
1. Post-Game Highlights and Replays: The MLB app offers extensive post-game highlights and replays, allowing you to catch up on all the key moments of each playoff game. Even if you missed the live broadcast, you can still relive the excitement and drama through these detailed highlights.
2. GameTracker and Live Scores: Even without live streaming, the app provides real-time updates through its GameTracker feature. You can follow along with live scores, pitch-by-pitch updates, and play-by-play commentary, giving you a comprehensive view of the action.
3. Accessing Radio Broadcasts: For those who prefer the audio experience, the MLB app offers access to live radio broadcasts of all playoff games. This provides a unique and engaging way to follow the action, capturing the energy and commentary from the radio booth.
4. Catching Games on Other Platforms: While the MLB app itself doesn’t offer live playoff streaming, it can still be a valuable resource for finding out where and how to watch the games. The app’s schedule feature will show you which channel is broadcasting each playoff game, allowing you to tune in on your TV or through other streaming platforms like ESPN+.
The Importance of Local Broadcasting Rights
The restrictions on MLB.TV for playoff streaming are primarily due to local broadcasting rights. National networks like ESPN and TBS, as well as regional sports networks, secure exclusive rights to broadcast specific games.
This means that if you live in the designated market area (DMA) of a specific team, you’ll typically have access to their playoff games through your local cable or satellite TV provider. The MLB app doesn’t compete with these local broadcasts; instead, it complements them by offering additional features and content.
Exploring Alternative Streaming Options
If you don’t have cable or don’t want to pay for a traditional TV package, there are several other streaming options available for watching the MLB Playoffs:
1. Streaming Services: Platforms like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer access to channels that broadcast playoff games, providing a flexible and affordable alternative to cable.
2. Local Sports Network Apps: Many regional sports networks have their own apps, which often offer live streaming of games, including playoff matchups. Check if your local sports network offers streaming access for the playoffs.
3. Over-the-Top (OTT) Streaming: Numerous OTT services offer live sports streaming, including some specifically focused on baseball. These services may require subscriptions, but offer access to a wide range of games, including playoff matchups.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Finding the best way to watch the playoffs depends on your individual preferences and budget. If you prioritize live streaming and don’t mind paying for a subscription, options like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV are excellent choices.
If you prefer a free, on-demand experience, the MLB app’s post-game highlights and radio broadcasts are great options. For those who prioritize affordability and flexibility, over-the-top streaming services like MLB.TV (for regular season games) or standalone sports apps may be the best fit.
Conclusion: Staying Connected to the Postseason
While you can’t directly stream live MLB Playoffs games on the MLB app, it’s still a valuable tool for staying connected to the postseason action. Utilize its post-game highlights, GameTracker, and radio broadcasts to follow your favorite teams and experience the excitement of the playoffs.
Remember, local broadcasting rights play a significant role in determining where you can watch the games. Explore your options through cable, streaming services, local sports networks, and OTT platforms to find the best way to watch the MLB Playoffs and root for your team all the way to the World Series!
FAQs
1. What MLB games are available on the MLB App during the playoffs?
Most playoff games, including the World Series, are available to watch on the MLB app. The only exception is the Wild Card Series games, which are usually exclusively broadcasted on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and MLB Network. All other rounds of the playoffs, from the Division Series to the World Series, are generally available for streaming on the MLB app.
2. Do I need a subscription to watch the playoffs on the MLB App?
Yes, you will need an MLB.TV subscription to watch the playoffs on the MLB App. MLB.TV is a subscription-based service that gives you access to live and on-demand games throughout the regular season and playoffs. While a free trial is available for new users, it’s important to note that the free trial typically doesn’t include access to playoff games.
3. Are there any blackouts for playoff games on the MLB App?
There may be some blackouts for playoff games on the MLB App, depending on your location. For instance, if you live in the market of a team playing in the playoffs, you might not be able to watch the game on MLB.TV due to local broadcast rights. This is a similar restriction to the regular season, so you can check the MLB App for specific blackout information during the playoffs.
4. Can I watch the playoffs on the MLB App if I don’t have cable?
Yes, you can watch the playoffs on the MLB App even if you don’t have cable. You’ll need an MLB.TV subscription, which is a standalone service that doesn’t require a cable subscription. This makes it a convenient option for cord-cutters and anyone who wants to watch the playoffs without needing traditional TV service.
5. How much does an MLB.TV subscription cost?
The cost of an MLB.TV subscription varies depending on the package you choose. The “Single Team” package, which gives you access to all games of a single team, is generally the most affordable option. The “All Teams” package, which allows you to watch all games from any team, is usually the most expensive option. You can check the MLB App or MLB.com for the latest pricing information.
6. What devices can I use to watch the playoffs on the MLB App?
You can watch the playoffs on the MLB App on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices. The app is available for download on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and other platforms. You can check the MLB App or MLB.com for a full list of compatible devices.
7. What are some alternative ways to watch the playoffs without the MLB App?
If you don’t have an MLB.TV subscription or are experiencing blackouts, you can still watch the playoffs on traditional TV networks. Games will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, MLB Network, and local television stations, depending on the matchup and your location. You may also be able to access these channels through streaming services like Sling TV or YouTube TV.