Newsletter
A few weeks ago, it was announced that MLB.TV and MLB Network were leaving YouTube TV. Many thought that it was just an issue with MLB Network and them potentially wanting to sell MLB Network as part of MLB.TV, similar to what Bally Sports has done. But that’s not the case.
YouTube TV has repeatedly said on Twitter that they are still in talks with the MLB about bringing back the MLB Network. Stating in replies to customers that “we understand how frustrating the news was & it wasn’t the outcome we wanted. We’ll continue conversations w/ the MLB Network in the hope of restoring their content on YouTube TV in the future.”
As is always the case here, MLB Network wants more money from YouTube TV. That’s normally what happens when there’s a dispute like this. The MLB raised the price on MLB.TV this year, so it’s not surprising to see MLB Network wanting a larger price as well. Both sides are hopeful that a deal will be reached though.
How can you watch the MLB Network this year?
While we still have a few more weeks before Opening Day, and it’s likely a deal will be made before then, how else can you watch the MLB Network? Well there are a few options available.
You can subscribe to DIRECTV Stream, FuboTV or Sling TV. All of which have the MLB Network. Sling TV would be the best option as it is the cheapest, but you do need to get the MLB Network in the sports add-on.
If YouTube TV is unable to come to terms with the MLB Network, and it does stay dark on the service, that would be another big blow for YouTube TV. A service that was once touted as the streaming service for sports, has now lost almost all of its sports. It has only a handful of RSNs after Bally Sports took their networks off a few years ago. It’s also lost AT&T SportsNet as it has actually folded. And now the MLB Network.