How to Watch the 2026 MLB Playoffs Without Cable
Updated
The 2026 MLB postseason is split between two TV partners from here on. TBS has the American League side, and FOX has the National League side and the World Series. That means you need two different things to see every game without cable: a way to get TBS (plus truTV and HBO Max simulcasts) and a way to get FOX and FS1. Here's the schedule, which services carry each network, and the cheapest ways to cover it all.
The ALCS is on TBS, truTV and HBO Max (Standard or Premium) starting Mon., Oct. 12. The NLCS is on FOX, FS1 and FOX One starting Sun., Oct. 11. The World Series is on FOX and FOX One starting Fri., Oct. 23, and it's free with an antenna. The cheapest way to see most games is HBO Max Standard ($18.49/mo) plus an antenna for FOX.
Networks and dates as announced by MLB. Prices from each service's website, checked October 7, 2026.
Where to watch each round
| Round | Dates | TV | Stream without cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL Division Series | Oct. 3-10 | TBS, truTV | HBO Max (Standard or Premium), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling |
| NL Division Series | Oct. 3-9 | FOX, FS1 | FOX One, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling (FS1; FOX in some markets) |
| AL Championship Series | Starts Mon., Oct. 12 | TBS, truTV | HBO Max (Standard or Premium), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling |
| NL Championship Series | Starts Sun., Oct. 11 | FOX, FS1 | FOX One, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo; FOX with an antenna |
| World Series | Starts Fri., Oct. 23 | FOX | Free with an antenna; FOX One and live-TV streamers |
Networks and dates as announced by MLB, as of October 7, 2026. Live-TV streaming lineups vary by ZIP code, so check the channel list for your area before you subscribe.
Spanish-language coverage is on UniMás for the AL series and FOX Deportes for the NL series and World Series.
2026 ALCS and NLCS schedule
| Date | ALCS (TBS/truTV/HBO Max) | NLCS (FOX/FS1/FOX One) |
|---|---|---|
| Sun., Oct. 11 | - | Game 1 |
| Mon., Oct. 12 | Game 1 | Game 2 |
| Tue., Oct. 13 | Game 2 | - |
| Wed., Oct. 14 | - | Game 3 |
| Thu., Oct. 15 | Game 3 | Game 4 |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Game 4 | Game 5* |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | Game 5* | - |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | - | Game 6* |
| Mon., Oct. 19 | Game 6* | Game 7* |
| Tue., Oct. 20 | Game 7* | - |
*If necessary. Game times are set by MLB and the networks as each series is decided.
2026 World Series schedule (FOX)
- Game 1: Friday, Oct. 23
- Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26
- Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27
- Game 5*: Wednesday, Oct. 28
- Game 6*: Friday, Oct. 30
- Game 7*: Saturday, Oct. 31 (yes, Halloween)
The league champion with the better 2026 record hosts Games 1, 2, 6 and 7.
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Cheapest ways to watch the AL side (TBS and truTV)
HBO Max simulcasts TNT Sports' MLB postseason games, but only on plans that include live sports. HBO Max says live sports come with the Standard ($18.49/mo) and Premium ($22.99/mo) plans. The cheaper Basic with Ads plan ($10.99/mo) does not include live sports. If you only care about the ALCS, one month of Standard is the lowest-cost route.
Live-TV streamers that carry TBS and truTV also work, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling. On Sling, TBS is on Orange or Blue, but truTV is on Blue, so Sling's Orange & Blue combo covers the whole AL bracket. Need the channel number on cable or satellite instead? See what channel TBS is on.
Cheapest ways to watch the NL side and the World Series (FOX and FS1)
- Antenna: FOX is a free over-the-air broadcast network, so an HD antenna gets you every World Series game and the FOX-aired NLCS games at no monthly cost. It won't get FS1.
- FOX One ($19.99/mo): FOX's streaming service carries both FOX and FS1, so it covers the full NLCS and World Series without a cable login.
- Live-TV streamers: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo carry FOX and FS1. Sling carries FS1, and FOX only in some markets.
One service for everything?
If you want every remaining game in one app, a full live-TV service with both TBS/truTV and FOX/FS1 is simplest. YouTube TV's main plan is $82.99/mo, with a new-member deal of $59.99/mo for two months through Nov. 16. Compare channels in our YouTube TV channels guide. The cheapest split is usually HBO Max Standard + an antenna (about $18.49 a month), adding FOX One only if you need FS1 games in the NLCS.
What each setup costs
| Setup | What it covers | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna only | FOX-aired NLCS games and every World Series game | $0 after you buy the antenna |
| HBO Max Standard + antenna | Every ALCS game, FOX-aired NLCS games and the World Series | $18.49 |
| HBO Max Standard + FOX One | Every remaining game, including NLCS games on FS1 | $38.48 |
| YouTube TV | Every remaining game in one app | $82.99 ($59.99 for 2 months for new members through Nov. 16) |
Our math from each service's listed monthly price as of October 7, 2026. Taxes extra.
What internet speed do you need?
Plan on about 10 Mbps for a steady HD stream and roughly 25 Mbps for 4K where it's offered, per TV. If several people stream at once, or someone games or video calls during the game, a plan with 200 Mbps or more gives you headroom. Wi-Fi is often the weak link, so connect the TV by Ethernet if you can. More: internet speed for streaming and the speed you need for HBO Max.
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Frequently asked questions
What channel is the 2026 ALCS on?
TBS, with simulcasts on truTV and HBO Max (Standard and Premium plans). Game 1 is Monday, Oct. 12.
What channel is the 2026 World Series on?
FOX, with Spanish on FOX Deportes. Every game also streams on FOX One. Game 1 is Friday, Oct. 23.
Can I watch the World Series for free?
Yes, with an HD antenna. FOX is a free broadcast network in most markets.
Is the ALCS on HBO Max Basic with Ads?
No. HBO Max says live sports are included with the Standard and Premium plans only.