Cubs Game Today: Channel, Time, And How To Watch

Hey baseball fans! Wondering what channel the Cubs game is on today? You're not alone! Figuring out where to catch your favorite team can sometimes feel like a major league puzzle. But don't worry, we've got you covered. This guide will give you the inside scoop on how to watch the Chicago Cubs today, including the channel, game time, and any other helpful tips.

Finding the Cubs Game Channel: Your Ultimate Guide

So, you're ready to cheer on the Cubs, but you need to know where to tune in. The channel broadcasting the game can vary depending on a few key factors, including whether the game is a local broadcast, a national broadcast, or streaming exclusively online. Let's break down the most common scenarios:

1. Local Broadcasts: Marquee Sports Network

For most regular-season games, especially those against other National League Central teams or other geographically close opponents, you'll likely find the Cubs on Marquee Sports Network. This is the Cubs' dedicated regional sports network, and it carries the majority of their games. If you live in the Chicago area or in a surrounding state within their broadcast territory, Marquee is your go-to channel. However, keep in mind that you'll need a cable or satellite subscription that includes Marquee Sports Network in its channel lineup. It's always a good idea to check your local listings or your provider's channel guide to confirm.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure if you have Marquee Sports Network, a quick call to your cable or satellite provider can clear things up. They can tell you which channel number it is and if it's part of your current package. You can also visit the Marquee Sports Network website where they have a provider lookup tool. Just enter your zip code and cable provider, and it will tell you if Marquee is available in your area and on what channel.

2. National Broadcasts: ESPN, Fox, FS1, and TBS

When the Cubs are playing a high-profile game, such as a Sunday Night Baseball matchup or a game against a major rival, it might be broadcast nationally. These games are typically shown on major networks like ESPN, Fox, FS1 (Fox Sports 1), and TBS. National broadcasts mean a much wider audience, so these games are usually prime-time matchups with a lot of buzz.

To find these games, keep an eye on the weekly MLB schedule releases, which are widely available online. Sports websites like ESPN.com and MLB.com will have the full schedule, including which games are being televised nationally. Typically, these games are also heavily promoted in the days leading up to the game, so you'll likely see them advertised on TV and online. These national broadcasts often come with pre- and post-game coverage, making it a full baseball viewing experience. The commentary teams are usually well-known national broadcasters, adding to the big-game feel.

3. Streaming Options: MLB.tv, Streaming Services

In today's world, streaming is king! If you're a cord-cutter or prefer to watch games on your phone, tablet, or computer, there are plenty of streaming options available. MLB.tv is the official streaming service of Major League Baseball, and it offers subscriptions that allow you to watch out-of-market games live or on-demand. This is a fantastic option if you're a Cubs fan living outside of the Chicago area.

MLB.tv has a couple of different subscription options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. You can opt for a single-team package, which gives you access to all Cubs games (subject to blackout restrictions), or a league-wide package, which lets you watch almost every MLB game.

Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV also often carry the channels that broadcast Cubs games, such as Marquee Sports Network, ESPN, Fox, FS1, and TBS. These services are a great alternative to traditional cable or satellite, as they offer a wide range of channels for a monthly fee, often without a long-term contract. Many of these services also offer a free trial period, so you can test them out before committing to a subscription.

4. Don't Forget the Blackout Restrictions

Okay, let's talk about the pesky blackout restrictions. These are in place to protect the local broadcast rights of the team, which means that if you live in the Cubs' broadcast territory, you might not be able to watch the game on MLB.tv, even if you have a subscription. This is because Marquee Sports Network has the exclusive rights to show the game locally.

Blackout restrictions can be frustrating, but they're a part of the baseball viewing landscape. The easiest way to avoid blackouts is to watch the game on the local broadcast channel, which, in the Cubs' case, is usually Marquee Sports Network. You can also use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to try and bypass blackout restrictions, but this might violate the terms of service of MLB.tv, so proceed with caution.

5. Checking the Schedule: Online Resources and Team Websites

To get the most accurate information about what channel the Cubs game is on today, it's always a good idea to check the schedule. There are several online resources that provide up-to-date TV listings for MLB games. Websites like MLB.com, ESPN.com, and your local sports news sites will have the broadcast information listed next to each game.

The Cubs' official website is also a great resource. They usually have a schedule section that includes the TV channel and game time for each game. You can also follow the Cubs on social media, as they often post game day information, including where to watch the game. Using multiple resources ensures you have the most accurate and current information, especially as broadcast schedules can sometimes change at the last minute.

Finding the Game Time: When to Tune In

Knowing what time the Cubs game starts is just as important as knowing what channel to watch it on! Game times can vary depending on the day of the week, the opponent, and whether it's a day game or a night game. Most weekday games start in the evening, while weekend games can be either day games or night games.

To find the game time, the same resources we mentioned earlier for finding the channel information also apply here. Websites like MLB.com, ESPN.com, and the Cubs' official website will have the game time listed alongside the channel information. You can also set reminders on your phone or calendar to make sure you don't miss the first pitch.

Pro Tip: If you're planning to watch the game at a bar or restaurant, it's always a good idea to call ahead and make sure they'll be showing the game, especially if it's a nationally televised game or a big rivalry matchup. This ensures you'll have a great viewing experience and won't miss any of the action.

How to Watch the Cubs: A Quick Recap

Let's quickly recap how to watch the Cubs today:

• Local Games: Marquee Sports Network (if you're in the broadcast territory)
• National Games: ESPN, Fox, FS1, TBS
• Streaming: MLB.tv (for out-of-market games, subject to blackouts), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV
• Check the Schedule: MLB.com, ESPN.com, Cubs' official website

Stay Updated: Last-Minute Changes and Schedule Updates

One final thing to keep in mind is that broadcast schedules can sometimes change at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather delays or scheduling conflicts. It's always a good idea to double-check the schedule on the day of the game to make sure you have the most accurate information. Sports websites and social media are your best friends here, as they'll often post updates about any schedule changes. You can also sign up for email alerts from MLB.com or your local sports news sites to receive notifications about schedule changes and other important updates. This way, you'll always be in the know and won't miss a single pitch.

Go Cubs Go!

So, there you have it! You're now equipped with all the knowledge you need to find what channel the Cubs game is on today, as well as the game time and other helpful tips. Now all that's left to do is grab your favorite Cubs gear, settle in, and cheer on the team! Let's go Cubs!