Cubs 2026 Viewing Guide: How to Watch Chicago's Potential Playoff Push Unfold
The Chicago Cubs didn’t just make noise this offseason-they made a statement. With marquee additions like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera joining the fold, expectations around Wrigleyville are sky-high. This roster looks built to contend, and fans are hoping 2026 is the year the Cubs finally leapfrog the Milwaukee Brewers and make a serious October run.
Wrigley Field will, as always, be the heart of the action. But for those watching from home, the broadcast experience remains a strong suit. Marquee Sports Network continues to be the go-to destination for Cubs coverage-despite a few behind-the-scenes shakeups.
A Loaded Roster, a Familiar Booth
Last season was a milestone for Cubs broadcasters Jon "Boog" Sciambi and Jim Deshaies, who finally got to call a postseason-clinching team together after Sciambi took over the mic in 2021. With a reloaded roster and a still-intact young core, they may get to do it again this fall.
The Cubs are bringing back key pieces like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Dansby Swanson, while veterans Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki could be entering their final seasons in Chicago. It’s a group with plenty of upside-and urgency.
Marquee Network: Still the Home Base
Despite recent staff cuts and a trimmed-down spring training broadcast schedule, Marquee will still carry the vast majority of Cubs regular-season games. That’s good news for fans in the Chicago market, who can catch the action on DirecTV, Xfinity/Comcast, Astound Broadcast, and AT&T U-Verse.
Marquee’s future has been a bit cloudy at times-carriage disputes and recent layoffs have raised questions-but for now, the network remains the reliable home for Cubs baseball. The Marquee Sports Network website includes a channel finder to help you locate the network on your provider.
National Broadcasts: A Changing Landscape
There’s a bit of a shuffle happening with national broadcasts this year. Sunday Night Baseball is moving from ESPN to NBC, which is also picking up Sunday Leadoff and the Wild Card Series. ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS will still carry select games, and streaming platforms like AppleTV and Netflix are carving out their own slices of the schedule.
Yes, Netflix. The streaming giant is now part of MLB’s broadcast ecosystem, picking up events like the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the Field of Dreams Game, and a special Opening Night matchup. While none of those feature the Cubs directly, it’s a sign of how much the viewing experience is evolving.
Watching the Cubs Without Cable
For fans cutting the cord, there are still solid options to follow the Cubs all season long. Here’s how to do it:
FuboTV
FuboTV is one of the most comprehensive streaming options for Cubs fans. It carries Marquee, ESPN, FOX, and FS1 under its Pro, Elite, and Deluxe plans. However, there’s a catch: NBC and its affiliates have been unavailable since November due to a carriage dispute, and TBS isn’t included at all.
On the plus side, Fubo offers MLB.TV as an add-on for $29.99/month, giving you access to out-of-market games-a nice bonus for fans who want to keep tabs on the rest of the league.
DirecTV
DirecTV has dropped the “Stream” branding, but the service is still going strong. The Choice package is the most cost-effective way to get Marquee, and unlike Fubo, it includes NBC and TBS, along with the other major sports channels. For fans who want the most complete national coverage, DirecTV remains a strong option.
Marquee Sports Network App
- Price: $19.99/month
- Free Trial: None (though one may be offered closer to Spring Training)
If you’re only interested in Cubs content and live in-market, the Marquee Sports Network app offers the most direct path. A subscription gives you access to live games and a full slate of original programming like *Cubs Live!
*, Road to Wrigley Live, and Cubs 360. There’s also some Bears content and broader Chicago sports coverage.
It’s worth keeping an eye out for promotions-Marquee has offered free trials around Spring Training in the past.
MLB.TV
- Price: $149.99/year
- Free Trial: 7 days
For Cubs fans living outside the Chicago market, MLB.TV remains the top option. It offers access to all out-of-market games, though it doesn’t include streaming-exclusive matchups or games on AppleTV and Peacock. Right now, MLB.TV is also running offseason and MLB Network packages, which include select Spring Training games and other preseason content.
Streaming Extras: AppleTV, Peacock, and Netflix
To catch every Cubs game, you may need to piece together a few services:
- AppleTV (now rebranded): Required for select Friday night games. New users get a 7-day free trial, then it’s $12.99/month.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming arm will carry Sunday Leadoff games. The Premium tier runs $10.99/month.
- Netflix: While the Cubs aren’t featured in Netflix’s MLB slate this season, the platform will host marquee events like the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams Game.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Cubs are built for the long haul-and the broadcast options reflect that same depth. Whether you’re catching every pitch from your couch or tuning in on the go, there’s no shortage of ways to follow Chicago’s pursuit of October glory.
From the veteran newcomers to the rising stars, this team has the pieces. Now it’s just a matter of putting them together-and you won’t want to miss a moment.