How to Watch the 2026 ALCS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Possible Matchups and Channels
The American League Championship Series starts Monday, October 12, and TNT Sports has every game on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with Spanish on UniMás. Both Division Series could end Wednesday: the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays each lead 2-0 and are one win from the ALCS.
Here's where the ALDS stands, the four possible ALCS matchups, the schedule and the DIRECTV channels to save. For the full postseason channel map, see MLB on DIRECTV.
Where the ALDS stands
| Series | Status (as of Oct. 6) | Next game (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| No. 2 Guardians vs. No. 6 White Sox | Chicago leads 2-0 (won 3-0 and 4-3) | Game 3: Wed., Oct. 7, 4 p.m., TBS, in Chicago |
| No. 1 Rays vs. No. 4 Yankees | Tampa Bay leads 2-0 (won 1-0 and 5-2) | Game 3: Wed., Oct. 7, 8 p.m., TBS, in New York |
If needed, Game 4s are Thursday, October 8 (Guardians at White Sox at 5 p.m., Rays at Yankees at 8 p.m.), and Game 5s are Saturday, October 10 (White Sox at Guardians at 5 p.m., Yankees at Rays at 8 p.m.), all on TBS and HBO Max. Follow both series in our White Sox vs. Guardians and Yankees vs. Rays guides, or the 2026 ALDS guide.
Possible 2026 ALCS matchups
The higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2 and, if needed, Games 6 and 7.
| Possible matchup | Home field (Games 1, 2, 6, 7) |
|---|---|
| White Sox vs. Rays | Tampa Bay (No. 1 seed) |
| Guardians vs. Rays | Tampa Bay (No. 1 seed) |
| White Sox vs. Yankees | New York (No. 4 seed) |
| Guardians vs. Yankees | Cleveland (No. 2 seed) |
A White Sox series win would send Chicago to its first ALCS since 2005, the year it won the World Series.
2026 ALCS schedule and TV channels
Best of seven. Every game airs on TBS, truTV, UniMás and HBO Max.
| Game | Date | Where | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Mon., Oct. 12 | Higher seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 2 | Tue., Oct. 13 | Higher seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 3 | Thu., Oct. 15 | Lower seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 4 | Fri., Oct. 16 | Lower seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 5* | Sat., Oct. 17 | Lower seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 6* | Mon., Oct. 19 | Higher seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 7* | Tue., Oct. 20 | Higher seed | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
*If necessary. First-pitch times are announced once the matchup is set. TNT Sports' studio show will broadcast on site from the ALCS host cities starting with Game 1.
ALCS channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| TBS | 247 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| truTV | 246 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| UniMás (Spanish) | 408 | CHOICE and higher |
| MLB Network (studio coverage) | 213 | CHOICE and higher |
| HBO Max (streaming) | App | HBO Max Standard included with PREMIER |
TBS and truTV carry the same broadcast, so if one is busy recording, flip to the other. Postseason games are national broadcasts, so you won't find them on YES or the teams' regional networks. Not sure TBS is in your package? Call 1-855-690-9884.
How to stream the ALCS
HBO Max simulcasts every ALCS game. HBO Max includes live sports with its Standard and Premium plans, not Basic With Ads. DIRECTV's PREMIER package includes HBO Max Standard: activate it under Manage My TV Package at directv.com, then open the HBO Max app, choose your provider and sign in with your DIRECTV login. The app comes preloaded on DIRECTV Gemini devices. The MyEntertainment Genre Pack includes HBO Max Basic With Ads, so use TBS or truTV for the games. See HBO Max on DIRECTV for details.
You can also watch TBS and truTV in the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login. MLB says postseason games on TNT Sports platforms are available to MLB.TV subscribers who also sign in as TBS or truTV subscribers through a participating pay TV provider.
Radio, Spanish and studio coverage
- Spanish TV: UniMás, channel 408 on DIRECTV (CHOICE and higher), carries the ALCS.
- Radio: ESPN Radio has national audio of every postseason game, and TUDN Radio is the Spanish-language radio home.
- Studio shows: MLB Network (channel 213) covers the postseason daily.
The rest of October on DIRECTV
The NLCS starts a day earlier, Sunday, October 11, on FOX or FS1 (channel 219); see our 2026 NLCS guide. The World Series starts Friday, October 23, on FOX. For every postseason channel, see MLB on DIRECTV.
Which DIRECTV plan is best for the ALCS?
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes TBS (247) and truTV (246), plus FS1 (219) for the NLCS.
- CHOICE: adds UniMás (408) and MLB Network (213).
- PREMIER: adds HBO Max Standard so you can stream every game.
Compare DIRECTV options at your address or see what channel TBS is on DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 ALCS start?
Game 1 is Monday, October 12, 2026. A Game 7, if needed, would be Tuesday, October 20.
What channel is the ALCS on DIRECTV?
TBS on channel 247 and truTV on channel 246, both included with ENTERTAINMENT and higher. UniMás has the Spanish broadcast on channel 408.
Who is playing in the 2026 ALCS?
It isn't set yet. As of October 6, the White Sox led Cleveland 2-0 and Tampa Bay led the Yankees 2-0, and both can clinch on Wednesday, October 7.
Can I stream the ALCS on HBO Max?
Yes. HBO Max simulcasts every game on its Standard and Premium plans. DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard, which you activate through your DIRECTV account.
Is the ALCS on FOX or ESPN?
No. The ALCS is on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. FOX and FS1 have the NLCS, and ESPN has radio only.
Questions about TBS or HBO Max on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 6, 2026. Matchups and first-pitch times are set by MLB and TNT Sports and may change. HBO Max plan features are set by HBO Max. Channel lineups, carriage and package availability vary by address and may change. MLB, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, UniMás, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.