Bally Sports is a popular regional sports network (RSN) that broadcasts games for numerous professional teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NBA. Due to carriage disputes, figuring out which TV providers carry Bally Sports can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown of options as of January 21, 2026.
Table of contents
Streaming Services
Several streaming services offer Bally Sports, providing a cable-free way to watch your local teams:
- DirecTV Stream: Offers packages that include Bally Sports networks as a standard feature.
- FuboTV: Also includes Bally Sports in select packages.
Traditional TV Providers
Some traditional cable and satellite providers still carry Bally Sports:
- DirecTV: As mentioned above, also provides Bally Sports through its satellite service.
Bally Sports+
Bally Sports offers its own streaming service, Bally Sports+, which allows you to stream your local Bally Sports channels directly. This is a good option if you only want Bally Sports and don’t need a full cable or streaming package.
Carriage Disputes
Keep in mind that carriage disputes can occur between TV providers and Bally Sports, potentially leading to blackouts. For example, Comcast had a carriage fight blackout. Always check with your provider to confirm that Bally Sports is currently available in your area and package.
Teams Covered
Bally Sports RSNs serve as the TV home to many MLB, NHL and NBA teams. They also have a joint venture in Marquee, the home of the Chicago Cubs, and a minority interest in the YES Network, the local destination for the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets.
Finding Your Local Channel
The specific Bally Sports channel available to you depends on your geographic location. To find out which Bally Sports channel broadcasts games in your area, you can visit the Bally Sports website and enter your zip code. This will show you the teams and channels available to you.
Why the Confusion?
The landscape of sports broadcasting is constantly evolving. Factors contributing to the complexity of finding Bally Sports include:
- Streaming Wars: As more viewers cut the cord, streaming services are vying for exclusive rights, leading to frequent changes in channel lineups.
- Carriage Negotiations: Disputes between broadcasters (like Bally Sports) and distributors (like Comcast or streaming services) are common, resulting in temporary blackouts.
- Regional Focus: Bally Sports operates as regional networks, meaning availability varies significantly depending on where you live.
Tips for Staying Informed
To ensure you don’t miss your favorite games, consider the following:
- Check Your Provider’s Website: Most TV providers have online channel lineups that are regularly updated.
- Follow Bally Sports News: Stay informed about carriage agreements and potential blackouts through news articles and official Bally Sports announcements.
- Consider Alternatives: If your current provider doesn’t carry Bally Sports, explore other options, including switching providers or subscribing to Bally Sports+.
- Use a Streaming Device: Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV offer access to various streaming services that may carry Bally Sports.
The Future of Bally Sports
The Diamond Sports Group, which owns Bally Sports, has faced financial challenges. The future of the network and its broadcasting rights remains uncertain, so staying informed about industry news is crucial for sports fans.
