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Where To Watch Chicago Cubs Vs Cincinnati Reds?

Where To Watch Chicago Cubs Vs Cincinnati Reds? – The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds have a classic National League rivalry that delivers exciting baseball multiple times each season. Whether you’re in the Chicago area, the Cincinnati Tri-State region, or watching from anywhere else in the USA, this guide covers every reliable way to watch Cubs vs Reds games in 2026.

Broadcast details depend on the game location (Wrigley Field or Great American Ball Park), national TV exclusives, and your zip code. Always verify the exact listing for your specific matchup on official sources, as assignments can shift.

Cubs vs Reds 2026 Schedule & Broadcast Overview

The teams typically meet 6–7 times per season. Games alternate between Wrigley Field and Great American Ball Park, with a few potentially landing on national broadcasts.

Local TV Channels for Cubs vs Reds Games

When the Cubs host at Wrigley Field
The primary local broadcast is on Marquee Sports Network (often listed as MARQ). This is the exclusive regional home for Cubs baseball in the Chicago market and surrounding areas.

When the Reds host at Great American Ball Park
The primary local broadcast is on REDS.TV, MLB’s dedicated service for Cincinnati Reds games in 2026. Many games are also available on traditional cable and satellite providers that carry the feed.

A small number of games each season receive over-the-air simulcasts on local stations (such as FOX19 in the Reds market for select dates).

Streaming Options for In-Market Fans

Chicago Cubs Market Fans (Illinois, parts of Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin)

  • Fubo — Carries Marquee Sports Network in-market for live Cubs games.
  • Hulu + Live TV — Available to subscribers within the Cubs in-market footprint.
  • Direct Marquee subscription — Stream via the official Marquee app or ** (also available as a channel on Prime Video in supported areas).
  • Cable/satellite providers — Use the official channel finder for your zip code.

Cincinnati Reds Market Fans (Greater Cincinnati, parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana)

  • REDS.TV — Direct streaming subscription through the MLB app with no local blackouts for Reds games (subject to national exclusives).
  • Fubo — Carries REDS.TV in the Cincinnati regional market.
  • Cable and satellite providers — Widely available; check your provider’s guide or the Reds channel finder.

Out-of-Market & National Streaming Options

For fans outside both local territories or wanting maximum flexibility:

  • MLB.tv — The most comprehensive option for out-of-market viewers. Subscribe to the full package or single-team plan. Note that local blackouts apply when a game is available on your regional RSN.
  • Live TV streaming services (Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream) — These carry national MLB broadcasts (ESPN, FOX/FS1, TBS, etc.) and often the local RSN in your specific market.
  • Peacock — Streams select NBC Sunday Night Baseball games (some Cubs or Reds matchups appear here).
  • ESPN app / ESPN+ or Unlimited — For nationally exclusive ESPN games.
  • Apple TV+ — Carries Friday Night Baseball games featuring the Cubs or Reds when scheduled.

National TV Broadcasts for Cubs vs Reds

Throughout the season, select Cubs vs Reds games air on:

  • ESPN (and ABC in some cases)
  • FOX and FS1
  • TBS
  • NBC / Peacock (Sunday Night Baseball)
  • Apple TV+ (Friday Night Baseball)

These national windows take priority over local RSN feeds. Check the official MLB schedule or your provider’s guide for exact dates and times.

MLB.tv Explained for Cubs and Reds Fans

MLB.tv remains the gold standard for cord-cutters who want every game without a traditional cable package.

  • Out-of-market advantage: Watch almost every Cubs and Reds game live.
  • Blackout rules: Games are blacked out if they air on your local RSN (Marquee in Chicago territory or REDS.TV in Cincinnati territory).
  • Single-team option: Great value if you only follow one club.
  • Multi-device support: Works on smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices via the MLB app.

Blackout Rules for Cubs vs Reds Games

Blackouts protect local broadcast rights.

  • In the Chicago market: Cubs home games on Marquee are blacked out on MLB.tv.
  • In the Cincinnati market: Reds home games on REDS.TV are blacked out on standard MLB.tv (use REDS.TV instead).
  • Cross-market games: Availability on MLB.tv depends on whether the game is considered “local” in your zip code.
  • National exclusives (ESPN, FOX, etc.): These are blacked out on both local RSNs and MLB.tv in favor of the national rights holder.

Use the MLB app or website’s zip-code checker for precise blackout status before each game.

Best Cord-Cutting Services for MLB in 2026

Here are the most popular options that reliably deliver Cubs and Reds coverage:

  • Fubo — Excellent for regional sports (Marquee and REDS.TV in their respective markets) plus strong national coverage.
  • Hulu + Live TV — Solid choice for Cubs market viewers; also carries many national channels.
  • YouTube TV — Broad channel lineup and unlimited DVR; confirm Marquee/REDS.TV availability in your area.
  • DirecTV Stream — Carries Marquee in many markets and strong national sports.
  • MLB.tv (standalone or add-on) — Best pure baseball experience for out-of-market fans.

Most services offer free trials — test them during a Cubs or Reds homestand to see which fits your needs.

Watching on Smart TVs, Phones, Tablets & Streaming Devices

All major options support:

  • Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, etc.) via built-in apps or AirPlay/Chromecast.
  • Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast.
  • Mobile: Official apps for MLB, Marquee, Fubo, Hulu, YouTube TV, Peacock, and ESPN.
  • Web browsers: Watch on laptops/desktops through service websites.

REDS.TV streams exclusively through the MLB app. Marquee content is available via its dedicated app or through participating live-TV services.

Radio Broadcasts & Alternate Audio

Prefer listening? Excellent options exist:

  • Cubs Radio Network — Flagship 670 The Score (WSCR) in Chicago; streaming via the team app or Audacy.
  • Reds Radio Network — Flagship WLW 700 in Cincinnati; available on the MLB app and team platforms.
  • MLB app — Live audio for every game (subscription often required for full access).
  • National radio alternatives via SiriusXM or TuneIn for select games.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Cubs vs Reds Viewing Experience

  1. Enter your zip code on the Marquee channel finder and Reds/MLB watch pages to confirm exact availability.
  2. Start free trials of Fubo or Hulu + Live TV a day or two before a big series.
  3. For national games, download the specific app (ESPN, Peacock, etc.) in advance.
  4. Use a VPN only if traveling outside the U.S. (MLB.tv and most services are U.S.-only).
  5. Combine MLB.tv (out-of-market) with a cheap live-TV streamer for nationals and any local games you need.
  6. Enable notifications in the MLB app for game reminders and score alerts.

Official Resources & Trusted Sources

For the absolute latest channel and streaming information for any specific Cubs vs Reds game, check the official MLB schedule page or your provider’s live guide on game day. Enjoy the series!