How to Watch Chicago Cubs Games in 2026
Cubs games in Chicago primarily air on Marquee Sports Network.
Services that carry Marquee Sports Network: DIRECTV via Internet Choice, Fubo Elite, Hulu + Live TV (Base).
Services with limited Cubs coverage: YouTube TV (Base), Sling Orange & Blue, Peacock Select, Apple TV+, ESPN+ Monthly.
Streaming Services — Chicago Market Coverage
Projected coverage is based on 162 modeled Cubs broadcasts in DMA 602 (Chicago). Coverage reflects which services carry Marquee Sports Network locally.
~159 of 162 modeled broadcasts
~159 of 162 modeled broadcasts
"Projected coverage" and "modeled broadcasts" refer to StreamCaddy's rights and carriage model — not an official MLB schedule. National exclusives on Apple TV+, Peacock, and ESPN+ are included.
Why Coverage Varies by Service
Marquee Sports Network is the Cubs' own regional sports network, available on DIRECTV and Fubo in Chicago. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling do not carry Marquee.
Why does DIRECTV via Internet Choice cover 98%?
DIRECTV via Internet Choice carries Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, giving you access to most Cubs games including local regular season broadcasts and nationally televised games on included channels. The 3 unavailable broadcasts are national exclusives on channels not in this package.
Why does Fubo Elite cover 98%?
Fubo Elite carries Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, giving you access to most Cubs games including local regular season broadcasts and nationally televised games on included channels. The 3 unavailable broadcasts are national exclusives on channels not in this package.
Why does Hulu + Live TV (Base) cover 98%?
Hulu + Live TV (Base) carries Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, giving you access to most Cubs games including local regular season broadcasts and nationally televised games on included channels. The 3 unavailable broadcasts are national exclusives on channels not in this package.
Why does YouTube TV (Base) cover 9%?
YouTube TV (Base) does not carry Marquee Sports Network in the Chicago market. Only nationally televised Cubs games on ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, and Apple TV+ are available — approximately 15 of 162 modeled broadcasts.
Why does Sling Orange & Blue cover 9%?
Sling Orange & Blue does not carry Marquee Sports Network in the Chicago market. Only nationally televised Cubs games on ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, and Apple TV+ are available — approximately 15 of 162 modeled broadcasts.
Why does Peacock Select cover 2%?
Peacock Select does not carry Marquee Sports Network in the Chicago market. Only nationally televised Cubs games on ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, and Apple TV+ are available — approximately 3 of 162 modeled broadcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Cubs on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV via Internet Choice covers approximately 98% of modeled Cubs broadcasts in Chicago. DIRECTV via Internet Choice carries Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, giving you access to most Cubs games including local regular season broadcasts and nationally televised games on included channels. The 3 unavailable broadcasts are national exclusives on channels not in this package.
Can I watch Cubs on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV covers approximately 9% of modeled Cubs broadcasts in Chicago. YouTube TV (Base) does not carry Marquee Sports Network in the Chicago market. Only nationally televised Cubs games on ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, and Apple TV+ are available — approximately 15 of 162 modeled broadcasts.
What's the cheapest way to watch Cubs games?
Hulu + Live TV (Base) at $89.99/mo covers 98% of modeled Cubs broadcasts — the most cost-efficient option with high coverage in Chicago. Hulu + Live TV (Base) carries Marquee Sports Network in Chicago, giving you access to most Cubs games including local regular season broadcasts and nationally televised games on included channels. The 3 unavailable broadcasts are national exclusives on channels not in this package.
Why are Cubs games blacked out on MLB.TV?
MLB.TV blacks out Cubs games in DMA 602 because Marquee Sports Network holds exclusive local broadcast rights. MLB.TV is an out-of-market service — it cannot legally stream local games live in the home market. Out-of-market fans outside Chicago can watch Cubs on MLB.TV. See StreamCaddy's blackout methodology for details.
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