How to Watch the 2026 MLB Wild Card Round on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Times
October baseball starts early this year. The 2026 MLB Wild Card Series runs Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1, with four best-of-three series and the higher seed hosting every game. There is also a big change in where to watch: every Wild Card game airs on NBC Sports platforms (NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Network), marking postseason baseball's return to NBC for the first time since the 2000 ALCS.
Here is the full schedule, the matchups and exactly how to watch on DIRECTV.
2026 Wild Card matchups
- American League: No. 6 Chicago White Sox at No. 3 Houston Astros; No. 5 Boston Red Sox at No. 4 New York Yankees
- National League: No. 6 Philadelphia Phillies at No. 3 Atlanta Braves; No. 5 Chicago Cubs at No. 4 San Diego Padres
Wild Card Series schedule and TV channels
All times Eastern.
Game 1, Tuesday, September 29:
- Phillies at Braves, 2 p.m., NBC and Peacock
- White Sox at Astros, 5 p.m., Peacock and NBCSN
- Red Sox at Yankees, 8 p.m., NBC and Peacock
- Cubs at Padres, 10 p.m., Peacock and NBCSN
Game 2, Wednesday, September 30: same matchups, times and networks as Game 1.
Game 3 (if necessary), Thursday, October 1: if all four series go the distance, Game 3s follow the same times and networks as Games 1 and 2. If one or more series end early, MLB will shift the remaining Game 3 times and networks, and a lone Game 3 would air at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
How to watch on DIRECTV
Games on NBC
The Phillies-Braves and Red Sox-Yankees series air on NBC. DIRECTV carries your local NBC station in all satellite packages where available, and DIRECTV Signature streaming packages include local channels where available. Find NBC on your local channel number, which varies by market.
Games on NBCSN
The White Sox-Astros and Cubs-Padres series air on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) and Peacock. As of this week, NBCSN is not part of DIRECTV's national lineup; NBC lists it on YouTube TV, Fubo and Xfinity. DIRECTV customers can stream those games on Peacock, which requires a separate Peacock subscription.
Every game on Peacock
All four series stream on Peacock, including the games on NBC. If you want the complete Wild Card round, a Peacock subscription alongside your DIRECTV service covers every game.
Need help making sure NBC comes in at your address? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.
Spanish-language, radio and studio coverage
- Spanish: the Wild Card Series is available in Spanish on Universo.
- Radio: ESPN Radio has live national audio of every 2026 postseason game, starting with the Wild Card Series. ESPN does not have TV rights to this round.
- Studio shows: MLB Network (DIRECTV channel 213, included starting with CHOICE) airs postseason coverage on MLB Tonight, MLB Central, MLB Now and Intentional Talk.
Free baseball extras on DIRECTV
Every DIRECTV customer, and anyone with a free DIRECTV account, can stream the MLB FAST channel on MyFree DIRECTV for highlights and recaps. Learn more in our MyFree DIRECTV guide.
Which DIRECTV plan is best for the postseason?
- Satellite: any package includes your local NBC station where available. CHOICE and above add MLB Network for studio coverage.
- Streaming: Signature packages include local channels where available. Sports fans can also look at the MySports Genre Pack, which includes ESPN Unlimited for football, hockey and more once baseball wraps up.
- Next season: out-of-market regular-season fans can look at MLB Extra Innings on DIRECTV.
Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884 before first pitch.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 MLB Wild Card round?
The Wild Card Series runs Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1, 2026. Game 3s, if needed, are October 1.
What channel is the MLB Wild Card on?
All games air on NBC Sports platforms. Phillies-Braves and Red Sox-Yankees are on NBC and Peacock, while White Sox-Astros and Cubs-Padres are on Peacock and NBCSN.
Is the Wild Card on ESPN this year?
No. ESPN Radio has national audio coverage, but TV coverage of the 2026 Wild Card Series is on NBC, Peacock and NBCSN.
Can I watch NBCSN on DIRECTV?
NBCSN is not currently in DIRECTV's national lineup. Those games also stream on Peacock.
Is the Wild Card available in Spanish?
Yes. The Wild Card Series airs in Spanish on Universo.
Baseball questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 28, 2026. Game times and networks for any Game 3 are subject to change based on series results. 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.