How to Watch the 2026 ALDS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Times
The American League Division Series gets underway on Saturday, October 3. The AL's top two seeds, the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays, sat out the Wild Card round and now host this week's Wild Card winners in a best-of-five series. Every ALDS game is simulcast by TNT Sports on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, so most DIRECTV customers already have what they need.
Here is the ALDS schedule, the DIRECTV channel numbers to save and the streaming options worth knowing before first pitch.
Who plays in the 2026 ALDS
- Cleveland Guardians vs. the winner of Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros. Chicago took Game 1 of that Wild Card Series, 6-3, on September 29.
- Tampa Bay Rays vs. the winner of Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees. New York won Game 1, 9-0.
Wild Card Game 2s are Wednesday, September 30, and any needed Game 3s are Thursday, October 1. Catch up on those games in our 2026 Wild Card round guide.
2026 ALDS schedule and TV channels
All times Eastern. The Guardians and Rays host Games 1, 2 and 5.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat., Oct. 3 | White Sox/Astros winner at Guardians | 1 p.m. | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 1 | Sat., Oct. 3 | Red Sox/Yankees winner at Rays | 6:30 p.m. | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 2 | Mon., Oct. 5 | White Sox/Astros winner at Guardians | 5 p.m. | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 2 | Mon., Oct. 5 | Red Sox/Yankees winner at Rays | 8 p.m. | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 3 | Wed., Oct. 7 | Guardians and Rays on the road | TBA | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 4* | Thu., Oct. 8 | Guardians and Rays on the road | TBA | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| Game 5* | Sat., Oct. 10 | Back at Cleveland and Tampa Bay | TBA | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
*If necessary. MLB will post start times for Games 3 through 5 as the series unfold, and all times are subject to change. The ALCS starts Monday, October 12, and stays on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
ALDS channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| TBS | 247 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| truTV | 246 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| MLB Network (studio coverage) | 213 | CHOICE and higher |
| HBO Max (streaming) | App | HBO Max Standard included with PREMIER |
Because TNT Sports simulcasts each game on TBS and truTV, you can watch on either channel. If one is recording something else, flip to the other.
How to watch the ALDS on DIRECTV
On your TV
TBS (247) and truTV (246) come with every DIRECTV package from ENTERTAINMENT up, so if you can watch TBS today, you can watch the ALDS. Set a series recording on either channel for your team so you don't miss a Game 3 or 4 whose start time comes out on short notice.
Streaming on HBO Max
DIRECTV's PREMIER package includes HBO Max Standard. To use it, sign in at directv.com, open Manage My TV Package and activate HBO Max. Then open the HBO Max app, choose Connect Your Provider, pick DIRECTV and sign in with your DIRECTV user ID. The HBO Max app comes preloaded on DIRECTV Gemini devices.
The MyEntertainment Genre Pack includes HBO Max Basic With Ads instead. HBO Max carries live sports on its higher plans, so if you only have Basic With Ads, the TBS and truTV channels are the safer way to watch.
MLB.TV
MLB says postseason games on TNT Sports platforms are available to MLB.TV subscribers who also sign in as subscribers to TBS or truTV through a participating pay TV provider.
Not sure your package includes TBS? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check your lineup.
Radio and studio shows
- Radio: ESPN Radio carries live national audio of every 2026 postseason game.
- Studio shows: MLB Network (channel 213) runs postseason coverage on MLB Tonight, MLB Central, MLB Now and Intentional Talk.
Which DIRECTV plan is best for October baseball?
- ENTERTAINMENT: gets you TBS and truTV for the ALDS and ALCS, plus FS1 for the National League side. See our 2026 NLDS guide.
- CHOICE: adds MLB Network for daily highlights and analysis.
- PREMIER: adds HBO Max Standard so you can stream the ALDS on phones, tablets and other screens.
- Streaming sports fans: compare the MySports Genre Pack and see how each tier compares in our DIRECTV channels and plans guide.
Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884 before Game 1.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 ALDS start?
Both ALDS matchups start Saturday, October 3. The series can run through Saturday, October 10, if both go five games.
What channel is the ALDS on DIRECTV?
TBS on channel 247 and truTV on channel 246. Both air every game, and both come with ENTERTAINMENT and higher packages.
Can I stream the ALDS on HBO Max?
Yes. HBO Max simulcasts every ALDS game. DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard, which you activate through your DIRECTV account.
Is the ALDS on FOX or ESPN?
No. FOX and FS1 carry the National League Division Series. ESPN has radio only. The ALDS is on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
When does the ALCS start?
The American League Championship Series begins Monday, October 12, on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
Questions about your lineup? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 30, 2026. Matchups depend on Wild Card results, and game times for Games 3 through 5 had not been announced. Channel lineups, carriage and package prices may change. MLB, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.