Get Ready for a Home Run Season: NBC's Sunday Night Baseball 2026 Schedule

Welcome Back to Primetime Baseball!

Baseball fans, rejoice! For the first time since 2000, Major League Baseball is making its grand return to NBC, a move that not only breathes new life into Sunday night programming but also gives us an exciting three-year deal to look forward to. NBC's Sunday Night Baseball will join the ranks of its long-celebrated Sunday Night Football, making those summer evenings something to truly savor.

Why NBC Matters

This isn't just another broadcasting deal. It's a compelling shift that highlights the importance of baseball in our sports landscape. With games previously relegated to cable, this transition to a major network signifies a greater aim to attract a larger audience to America's favorite pastime. NBC is throwing its weight behind baseball, and that can only bode well for the sport's visibility and growth.

Meet the Dream Team

What makes this is even more exciting is the powerhouse lineup of commentators that NBC has secured. Esteemed announcers Bob Costas and Jason Benetti lead the charge, bringing years of experience, expertise, and charisma to the broadcast. Joining them are former MLB stars like Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto. This star-studded cast isn't just there to call the shots—they're set to provide insightful analysis drawn from their own on-field experiences.

Where to Catch All the Action

So where can fans catch the action? Here's the rundown:

TV Channel: NBC
Live Stream: You can tune in through DIRECTV or Peacock.

With 20 games scheduled to air on NBC and an additional 11 exclusive to Peacock, there's never been a better time to be a baseball fan!

The Complete 2026 Schedule

The excitement kicks off on March 26, kicking off a year packed with action. Here's a peek at the matchups we're all waiting for:

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Watch
March 26*	Mets vs. Pirates	1 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
March 26*	Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks	8 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
March 29	Mariners vs. Guardians	7 p.m.	Peacock
April 5	Tigers vs. Cardinals	7 p.m.	Peacock
April 12	Braves vs. Guardians	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
April 19	Phillies vs. Braves	7 p.m.	Peacock
April 26	Royals vs. Angels	7 p.m.	Peacock
May 3	Tigers vs. Rangers	7 p.m.	Peacock
May 10	Royals vs. Tigers	7 p.m.	Peacock
May 17	Mariners vs. Padres	7 p.m.	Peacock
May 24	Angels vs. Rangers	7 p.m.	Peacock
May 31	Cardinals vs. Cubs	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
June 7	Cubs vs. Giants	8 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
June 14	Red Sox vs. Rangers	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
June 21	Phillies vs. Mets	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
June 28	Red Sox vs. Yankees	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
July 5	Braves vs. Mets	12:30 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
July 5	Dodgers vs. Padres	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
July 19	Yankees vs. Dodgers	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
July 26	Phillies vs. Yankees	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 2	Dodgers vs. Red Sox	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 9	Padres vs. Astros	8 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 16	Astros vs. Mariners	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 23	Red Sox vs. Giants	3 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 30	Cubs vs. Reds	3 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Aug. 30	Mets vs. Astros	7 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Sept. 6	Phillies vs. Braves	3 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Sept. 6	Royals vs. Blue Jays	7 p.m.	Peacock
Sept. 7^	Giants vs. Cardinals	8 p.m.	NBC, DIRECTV
Sept. 13	Giants vs. Padres	7 p.m.	Peacock
Sept. 20	Orioles vs. Brewers	7 p.m.	Peacock

* Opening Day (Thursday)
^ Labor Day (Monday)

Final Thoughts

The return of NBC to baseball broadcasting isn't just significant; it's a game-changer. It reinvigorates our love for the sport and places it firmly in the spotlight. With such exciting matchups and a dream team of commentators, I can already feel the adrenaline from every pitch to every home run. Are you ready? Let's make this season one to remember!

Key Facts

Network: NBC
First Year: 2026
Returning Since: 2000
Total Games on NBC: 20
Total Exclusive Games on Peacock: 11
Main Commentators: Bob Costas, Jason Benetti, Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, Joey Votto

Background

The return of Major League Baseball to NBC marks a significant development, bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and sports entertainment. The three-year deal aims to attract a wider audience, enhancing visibility for baseball as it joins NBC's lineup of popular sports programming.

Quick Answers

What network is broadcasting Sunday Night Baseball in 2026?: NBC is broadcasting Sunday Night Baseball in 2026.
How many games will air on NBC in 2026?: Twenty games will air on NBC in 2026.
Who are the main commentators for NBC's 2026 baseball coverage?: Main commentators for NBC's 2026 coverage include Bob Costas, Jason Benetti, Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto.
What streaming services can fans use to watch games?: Fans can watch games via DIRECTV and Peacock.
When does the 2026 Sunday Night Baseball season start?: The 2026 Sunday Night Baseball season starts on March 26, 2026.
How many exclusive games will be on Peacock?: There will be eleven exclusive games on Peacock in 2026.
What is significant about NBC's return to baseball?: NBC's return to baseball signifies a major shift in sports broadcasting, aiming to revitalize interest in MLB.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the last year NBC broadcast MLB games?

NBC last broadcast MLB games in 2000 before returning in 2026.

How can fans access the games on NBC?

Fans can access the games on NBC through television or live streaming via DIRECTV or Peacock.

Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sunday-night-baseball-schedule-2026-045002911.html