DIRECTV Subscribers Can Now Stream Nine More MLB Teams Free on MLB TV

Quick answer: If you're a DIRECTV subscriber in the market for any of these nine teams — Reds, Tigers, Royals, Marlins, Brewers, Rays, Cardinals, Nationals, or Mariners — you can now stream their games on MLB TV at no extra cost. This is new as of April 13, 2026.

MLB TV quietly expanded its free in-market streaming access for DIRECTV subscribers on April 13, adding nine teams whose local channels were previously carried on FanDuel Sports Network, MASN, or Root Sports. The move means a DIRECTV customer who already pays for the local team channel in their cable or satellite plan can now authenticate on MLB TV and stream games away from home — no additional subscription required.

Which teams are now available

The nine newly added teams:

MLB TV already offered this same free access to DIRECTV subscribers for eight other teams: Padres, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Guardians, Twins, Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers. Today's addition brings the total to 17 teams with authenticated free streaming for DIRECTV customers.

Why this matters

For most of these teams, the local channel moved to MLB's own distribution platform after FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) collapsed for MLB prior to the 2026 season. Root Sports NW, which carried Mariners games, also shut down. MASN covers the Nationals and Orioles.

The practical upside here is straightforward: if you already pay for the channel on DIRECTV, you're not paying twice to watch on your phone or tablet. You're also gaining access to a few features MLB TV offers on top of the video feed — local radio broadcasts, alternate camera angles on select games, and a cleaner mobile interface than most cable apps.

How to activate it

1. Create or log in to your MLB account at mlb.com
2. Navigate to the TV Provider linking section (look for an "Authenticate" link)
3. Select DIRECTV from the provider list
4. You'll be redirected to DIRECTV's login page — enter your DIRECTV credentials
5. Once linked, log in to the MLB app on any device and authentication carries over automatically

Cox is already listed as a provider for Nationals access as well, and MLB is likely to extend free access to additional TV providers for these teams in the coming weeks.

What this doesn't change

This only applies to in-market subscribers — meaning you need to be in the team's local broadcast territory and have the channel in your DIRECTV package. Out-of-market fans still need the standard MLB TV out-of-market subscription to watch these games.

It also doesn't affect national games on Apple TV+, Peacock, ESPN+, or Netflix — those require separate subscriptions regardless of your pay TV provider.

For a full breakdown of what you need to watch your specific team this season, find your team's page using the search at the top of this site.

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