Cubs Fans, Here’s How to Watch Every Pitch in 2026 - Whether You’re at Wrigley or Watching from Home
The Cubs enter 2026 with a roster that’s got fans buzzing - and for good reason. With big-name additions like Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera joining a core that already includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson, and veterans like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, Chicago looks poised to make a serious run.
The goal? Finally leapfrogging the Brewers and making a deep postseason push.
Wrigley Field will always be the heart of Cubs baseball, but if you’re not in the bleachers, there are still plenty of ways to catch the action. Marquee Sports Network remains the go-to for most games, and despite some recent shakeups behind the scenes, it’ll still be carrying the bulk of the schedule.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the Cubs this season - whether you’re in Chicago or following from out of town.
Marquee Sports Network Still Leads the Way - For Now
Despite a tough offseason that included staff cuts and a trimmed-down spring training broadcast schedule, Marquee Sports Network remains the primary home for Cubs baseball. And while the network has had its fair share of carriage disputes and questions about long-term stability, those issues won’t affect fans this season.
If you’re in the Chicagoland area, you’re covered. Marquee is available on DirecTV, Xfinity/Comcast, Astound Broadband, and AT&T U-Verse.
Not sure if your provider carries it? Marquee’s official site has a channel finder to help you out.
National Broadcasts Are Shifting - Here’s What’s New
There are some big changes coming to national baseball coverage this year. Sunday Night Baseball is moving from ESPN to NBC, which is also taking over Sunday Leadoff and the Wild Card Series. ESPN isn’t going away, though - it’s picking up a new mid-week package.
FOX, FS1, TBS, and AppleTV are still in the mix as well, and Netflix is joining the party with some exclusive content, including the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the Field of Dreams Game, and a special Opening Night event. While none of those feature the Cubs directly, they’re still worth noting for fans keeping tabs on the broader MLB landscape.
No Cable? No Problem. Here’s How to Stream the Cubs in 2026
Cord-cutters have more options than ever, and Cubs fans won’t be left out. There are three main ways to stream Marquee in-market and one key option for out-of-market viewers.
1. FuboTV
FuboTV is a solid all-around option for Cubs fans. It carries Marquee, ESPN, FOX, and FS1 under its Pro, Elite, and Deluxe plans.
However, there are a couple of caveats: Fubo is currently in a standoff with NBCUniversal, so NBC and its affiliates have been unavailable since November. It also doesn’t offer TBS.
One bonus? Fubo gives you the option to add MLB.TV for an extra $29.99/month, which is great for fans who want to keep tabs on out-of-market games across the league.
2. DirecTV
DirecTV has dropped the “Stream” branding, but its streaming packages are still going strong. To get Marquee, you’ll want the “Choice” plan - the most affordable option that includes the network.
Unlike Fubo, DirecTV also includes NBC and TBS, giving fans a more complete national coverage package.
3. Marquee Sports Network App
If all you care about is watching Cubs games and Cubs-related content, the Marquee Sports Network app might be the simplest option. It runs $19.99/month and gives you access to live games as well as original programming like *Cubs Live!
*, Road to Wrigley Live, Cubs 360, and even some Bears content.
There’s no free trial right now, but keep an eye out - Marquee has offered trial periods around Spring Training in the past.
4. MLB.TV (Out-of-Market Only)
If you’re outside the Cubs’ local market, MLB.TV is your best bet. For $149.99/year, you’ll get access to all out-of-market games - just keep in mind that blackout rules still apply for local broadcasts.
MLB.TV also includes offseason content and MLB Network programming, and it’ll carry select Spring Training games as we inch closer to Opening Day.
What About AppleTV, Peacock, and Netflix?
To catch every Cubs game this season, you’ll likely need to subscribe to a few additional services - especially for nationally exclusive games.
- AppleTV (now rebranded but still commonly known as AppleTV): Required for select Friday night games. It’s $12.99/month, with a free seven-day trial for new users.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service will carry its new MLB slate, including Sunday Leadoff. The Premium tier is $10.99/month.
- Netflix: While it won’t carry regular-season Cubs games, it will host the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the Field of Dreams Game, and a special Opening Night matchup. Cubs players won’t be featured in those events, but names like PCA, Matthew Boyd, Bregman, Jameson Taillon, and Seiya Suzuki will be competing in the WBC - and that’s worth watching.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are entering 2026 with momentum, talent, and expectations. Whether you’re watching Boog Sciambi and Jim Deshaies call the action on Marquee or tuning in from across the country on MLB.TV, there’s no shortage of ways to stay locked in all season long.
Just like the team on the field, the broadcast landscape is evolving. But one thing remains the same: if you’re a Cubs fan, this season is shaping up to be one worth watching - pitch by pitch, inning by inning.