The Chicago Cubs are one of the most beloved baseball teams in the United States, with a rich history and a loyal fan base. If you’re a Cubs fan, you’re likely eager to catch their games on TV. However, with the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting, it can be challenging to know where and how to watch the Cubs. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to watch the Chicago Cubs on TV, including the various channels and streaming services that broadcast their games.
Traditional TV Options
For decades, traditional TV has been the primary way for fans to watch their favorite sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs. If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can catch Cubs games on various channels. Here are some of the traditional TV options:
Marquee Sports Network
Marquee Sports Network is the exclusive TV home of the Chicago Cubs. The network, which launched in 2020, broadcasts all Cubs games, as well as pre-game and post-game shows, analysis, and other Cubs-related programming. Marquee Sports Network is available on various cable and satellite providers, including Comcast Xfinity, AT&T U-verse, and DirecTV.
ESPN
ESPN is a popular sports network that broadcasts a wide range of sports events, including MLB games. The network occasionally broadcasts Cubs games, particularly those that are considered nationally significant or feature high-profile matchups. You can catch Cubs games on ESPN with a cable or satellite TV subscription.
FOX
FOX is another major network that broadcasts MLB games, including those featuring the Chicago Cubs. The network typically broadcasts Cubs games on Saturdays, as part of its national MLB broadcast package. You can catch Cubs games on FOX with a cable or satellite TV subscription.
Streaming Options
In recent years, streaming services have become increasingly popular, offering fans more flexibility and convenience when it comes to watching their favorite sports teams. Here are some streaming options for watching the Chicago Cubs:
Marquee Sports Network App
The Marquee Sports Network app is a streaming service that allows fans to watch Cubs games live, as well as access on-demand content, including pre-game and post-game shows, analysis, and other Cubs-related programming. The app is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV is a streaming service that allows fans to watch live and on-demand MLB games, including those featuring the Chicago Cubs. The service offers various subscription options, including a single-team package that allows you to watch all Cubs games. MLB.TV is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Hulu with Live TV
Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that offers a range of live TV channels, including sports networks like ESPN and FOX. The service also offers access to Marquee Sports Network, allowing you to watch Cubs games live. Hulu with Live TV is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a streaming service that offers a range of live TV channels, including sports networks like ESPN and FOX. The service also offers access to Marquee Sports Network, allowing you to watch Cubs games live. YouTube TV is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now is a streaming service that offers a range of live TV channels, including sports networks like ESPN and FOX. The service also offers access to Marquee Sports Network, allowing you to watch Cubs games live. AT&T TV Now is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Out-of-Market Options
If you’re a Cubs fan living outside of the Chicago area, you may not have access to Marquee Sports Network or other local channels that broadcast Cubs games. In this case, you can consider the following out-of-market options:
MLB.TV
As mentioned earlier, MLB.TV is a streaming service that allows fans to watch live and on-demand MLB games, including those featuring the Chicago Cubs. The service offers a single-team package that allows you to watch all Cubs games, regardless of your location.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a streaming service that offers a range of sports content, including MLB games. The service occasionally broadcasts Cubs games, particularly those that are considered nationally significant or feature high-profile matchups.
Blackout Restrictions
It’s worth noting that some streaming services, including MLB.TV and ESPN+, are subject to blackout restrictions. These restrictions prevent fans from watching games that are broadcast locally, in order to protect the rights of local broadcasters. If you’re a Cubs fan living in the Chicago area, you may be subject to blackout restrictions on certain streaming services.
Conclusion
Watching the Chicago Cubs on TV can be a bit complex, with various traditional TV options and streaming services available. However, by understanding your options and choosing the right service for your needs, you can catch all the Cubs action from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a die-hard Cubs fan or just a casual observer, there’s never been a better time to watch the Cubs on TV.
| Service | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Marquee Sports Network | Cable and satellite TV, Marquee Sports Network app | Varies by provider |
| ESPN | Cable and satellite TV, ESPN app | Varies by provider |
| FOX | Cable and satellite TV, FOX app | Varies by provider |
| MLB.TV | Streaming service | $24.99/month (single-team package) |
| Hulu with Live TV | Streaming service | $64.99/month |
| YouTube TV | Streaming service | $64.99/month |
| AT&T TV Now | Streaming service | $55/month |
By considering the options outlined in this article, you can find the best way to watch the Chicago Cubs on TV and enjoy all the excitement of the MLB season.
What channels can I watch the Chicago Cubs on?
You can watch the Chicago Cubs on various channels, including Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago, ABC 7 Chicago, and WGN-TV. Marquee Sports Network is the exclusive television home of the Cubs, broadcasting all regular season games, as well as pre-game and post-game shows. NBC Sports Chicago also airs select Cubs games, while ABC 7 Chicago and WGN-TV broadcast a limited number of games.
Additionally, you can also watch Cubs games on national television channels such as ESPN, FOX, and FS1. These channels typically broadcast games on weekends and holidays, as well as during the postseason. It’s worth noting that the availability of these channels may vary depending on your location and cable or satellite provider.
How can I stream Chicago Cubs games online?
You can stream Chicago Cubs games online through various platforms, including the Marquee Sports Network app, NBC Sports Chicago app, and MLB.TV. The Marquee Sports Network app allows you to watch live Cubs games, as well as on-demand content, on your mobile device or tablet. The NBC Sports Chicago app also offers live streaming of Cubs games, as well as other Chicago sports teams.
MLB.TV is another option for streaming Cubs games online. This service allows you to watch live and on-demand games from any MLB team, including the Cubs. However, please note that MLB.TV is subject to blackout restrictions, which means that you may not be able to watch Cubs games if you are located in the Chicago area.
What is the Marquee Sports Network?
The Marquee Sports Network is a regional sports network that is the exclusive television home of the Chicago Cubs. The network was launched in 2020 and is owned by the Cubs, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Entertainment Studios. Marquee Sports Network broadcasts all Cubs regular season games, as well as pre-game and post-game shows, and other Cubs-related content.
In addition to Cubs games, Marquee Sports Network also airs other sports programming, including college sports and high school sports. The network is available on various cable and satellite providers, including Comcast Xfinity, AT&T U-verse, and DirecTV.
Can I watch Chicago Cubs games on Hulu or YouTube TV?
Yes, you can watch Chicago Cubs games on Hulu and YouTube TV. Both streaming services offer Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports Chicago, which broadcast Cubs games. Hulu offers a live TV package that includes Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports Chicago, while YouTube TV also carries both channels.
However, please note that availability of these channels may vary depending on your location. If you are located in the Chicago area, you may be able to watch Cubs games on Hulu or YouTube TV, but if you are located outside of the area, you may be subject to blackout restrictions.
How can I watch Chicago Cubs games if I don’t have cable?
If you don’t have cable, there are still several options for watching Chicago Cubs games. You can stream Cubs games online through the Marquee Sports Network app, NBC Sports Chicago app, or MLB.TV. You can also subscribe to a streaming service such as Hulu or YouTube TV, which offer Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports Chicago.
Another option is to purchase a digital antenna, which allows you to watch over-the-air broadcasts of Cubs games on channels such as ABC 7 Chicago and WGN-TV. This option is free, but the availability of games may be limited.
Are Chicago Cubs games available in 4K?
Yes, some Chicago Cubs games are available in 4K. Marquee Sports Network broadcasts select Cubs games in 4K, which can be watched on 4K-enabled devices such as smart TVs and streaming devices. NBC Sports Chicago also airs some Cubs games in 4K.
To watch Cubs games in 4K, you will need a 4K-enabled device and a subscription to a cable or satellite provider that offers 4K broadcasts. You can also stream Cubs games in 4K on the Marquee Sports Network app or NBC Sports Chicago app, but you will need a 4K-enabled device and a high-speed internet connection.
Can I watch Chicago Cubs games outside of the United States?
Yes, you can watch Chicago Cubs games outside of the United States. MLB.TV is available in many countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. This service allows you to watch live and on-demand Cubs games, as well as other MLB teams.
Additionally, some streaming services such as DAZN and Sportsnet Now also offer Cubs games in select countries. However, please note that availability of these services may vary depending on your location, and you may be subject to blackout restrictions.