MLB Playoffs: How to Watch the ALCS and NLCS Without Cable
As the Major League Baseball season reaches its climax, fans around the world prepare themselves for the thrill of the playoffs. The American League Championship Series (ALCS) and National League Championship Series (NLCS) promise to showcase some of the best talent in baseball as teams go head-to-head in pursuit of a spot in the World Series. But what if you’ve cut the cord and don’t have traditional cable? Fear not, for there are several ways to catch all the action without needing a cable subscription.
Firstly, MLB.TV is a dedicated streaming service provided by Major League Baseball that allows fans to watch out-of-market games throughout the regular season. During the playoffs, however, MLB.TV subscribers can listen to every game live. To watch live games, a workaround includes a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which can help disguise your location allowing you to access games as if you were in another market.
Another reliable way to watch both series is through live TV streaming services that offer networks broadcasting playoff games like FOX, FS1, and TBS. Services such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream feature these channels. These platforms typically offer trial periods and do not require long-term contracts, so they can be an excellent choice for postseason viewing without commitment.
For those who are only interested in following one team’s progress or certain matchups, individual game rentals or purchases might be available through platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Google Play. However, availability may vary based on your location.
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook sometimes strike deals with sports leagues to stream games directly through their services. Keep an eye out for any announcements regarding streaming of postseason baseball games.
Lastly, don’t overlook local sports bars or friends’ houses where gatherings are often centered around big games like those in the MLB Playoffs. This social approach doesn’t require any subscriptions or fees other than maybe chipping in for pizza.
In conclusion, while traditional cable subscriptions used to be the primary method for watching postseason baseball, there are now various alternatives that cater to cord-cutters. By exploring options such as MLB.TV with a VPN, live TV streaming services, game rentals, social media platforms or good old-fashioned community viewing at local venues – fans won’t miss out on any of the ALCS or NLCS excitement this year.