Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I watch my local team's games even though I pay for MLB.TV?
MLB blackout rules prevent you from watching games in your team's home television territory, even if you pay for the full package. The league protects local broadcasting agreements with regional networks, so if you live in your team's market, you're blacked out regardless of whether the team is home or away.
How much money do MLB teams make from local broadcasting deals?
MLB teams make over two billion dollars from partnership deals with local broadcasters. This massive revenue stream is why the league protects these agreements through blackout rules, even at the expense of frustrated fans who pay for streaming services.
Do blackout rules apply if I live outside the United States?
Yes, blackout rules can still apply internationally based on your team's home television territory as determined by Major League Baseball. For example, all Giants and Athletics games are blacked out in Guam despite being a U.S. territory thousands of miles from the Bay Area.
Are nationally televised games blacked out on MLB.TV?
Yes, nationally televised games are subject to blackouts even if you pay for MLB.TV. Games broadcast on networks like ABC or Fox are blacked out for streaming subscribers, forcing fans to find alternative ways to watch.
Why doesn't MLB just let streaming subscribers watch all games since cable subscriptions are declining?
MLB prioritizes protecting their lucrative local broadcasting agreements over streaming convenience. Despite nearly 50 million cord-cutters, the league won't risk disrupting the two billion dollars in revenue from regional sports networks and team-owned broadcast deals.