How to Watch the 2026 NLDS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Times
The National League Division Series starts Saturday, October 3. The NL's top two seeds, the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers, host the Wild Card winners in a best-of-five round. Every NLDS game airs on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on FOX Deportes, and every game streams on FOX One.
Here's the schedule, where to find each channel on DIRECTV and how FOX One fits in.
Who plays in the 2026 NLDS
- Milwaukee Brewers vs. the winner of Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres. San Diego won Game 1, 8-0, on September 29.
- Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the winner of Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves. Atlanta won Game 1, 5-3.
The Wild Card Series wraps up by Thursday, October 1. Our Wild Card round guide covers those games.
2026 NLDS schedule and TV channels
All times Eastern. Game 1 times and networks depend on whether the Cubs or Padres advance.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 (if Cubs advance) | Sat., Oct. 3 | Cubs at Brewers | 4 p.m. | FOX |
| Game 1 (if Cubs advance) | Sat., Oct. 3 | Phillies/Braves winner at Dodgers | 9 p.m. | FS1 |
| Game 1 (if Padres advance) | Sat., Oct. 3 | Phillies/Braves winner at Dodgers | 4 p.m. | FOX |
| Game 1 (if Padres advance) | Sat., Oct. 3 | Padres at Brewers | 8:30 p.m. | FS1 |
| Game 2 | Sun., Oct. 4 | Cubs/Padres winner at Brewers | 4 p.m. | FS1 |
| Game 2 | Sun., Oct. 4 | Phillies/Braves winner at Dodgers | 8 p.m. | FS1 |
| Game 3 | Tue., Oct. 6 | Brewers and Dodgers on the road | TBA | FOX or FS1 |
| Game 4* | Wed., Oct. 7 | Brewers and Dodgers on the road | TBA | FOX or FS1 |
| Game 5* | Fri., Oct. 9 | Back in Milwaukee and Los Angeles | TBA | FOX or FS1 |
*If necessary. Every game also airs in Spanish on FOX Deportes and streams on FOX One. Times are subject to change. The NLCS starts Sunday, October 11, on FOX or FS1.
NLDS channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| FOX (local station) | Varies by market | All packages where locals are available |
| FS1 | 219 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| FOX Deportes (Spanish) | 465 | Spanish-language packages; check your lineup |
| MLB Network (studio coverage) | 213 | CHOICE and higher |
How to watch the NLDS on DIRECTV
Games on FOX
DIRECTV carries your local FOX station with its core packages where local channels are available. The channel number depends on your market, so look for FOX in your guide or search the station's call letters.
Games on FS1
FS1 sits on channel 219 and comes with ENTERTAINMENT and higher packages. Most Game 2s are on FS1, so this is the channel to check first on Sunday, October 4.
Streaming with FOX One
Every NLDS game streams on FOX One. DIRECTV has said FOX One is included with qualifying plans: open the FOX One app, choose TV provider sign-in, pick DIRECTV and use your DIRECTV login. Which FOX channels unlock depends on your package. Our FOX One with DIRECTV guide walks through the steps.
MLB.TV
MLB says postseason games on FOX and FS1 are available to MLB.TV subscribers who also sign in as subscribers to those networks through a participating pay TV provider.
Want to confirm FOX and FS1 at your address? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Radio, Spanish and studio coverage
- Spanish: FOX Deportes carries every NLDS game.
- Radio: ESPN Radio has live national audio of every 2026 postseason game.
- Studio shows: MLB Network (channel 213) covers the postseason on MLB Tonight, MLB Central, MLB Now and Intentional Talk.
Which DIRECTV plan is best for the NLDS?
- Any core package: your local FOX station where available.
- ENTERTAINMENT and higher: adds FS1, plus TBS and truTV for the American League. See our 2026 ALDS guide.
- CHOICE and higher: adds MLB Network.
- Streaming: the MySports Genre Pack includes FS1 and ESPN, and our DIRECTV channels and plans guide compares every tier.
Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 NLDS start?
Saturday, October 3. Game 5s, if needed, are Friday, October 9.
What channel is the NLDS on DIRECTV?
Your local FOX station, with its channel number set by market, or FS1 on channel 219. FOX Deportes carries the Spanish broadcast on channel 465 in Spanish-language packages.
Can I stream the NLDS with DIRECTV?
Every game streams on FOX One, and DIRECTV says FOX One is included with qualifying plans through TV provider sign-in.
Is the NLDS on TBS?
No. TBS, truTV and HBO Max carry the American League Division Series. The NLDS is on FOX and FS1.
When does the NLCS start?
Sunday, October 11, on FOX or FS1, with FOX Deportes in Spanish.
Baseball questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 30, 2026. Matchups depend on Wild Card results, and times for Games 3 through 5 had not been announced. Channel lineups, carriage and package prices may change. MLB, FOX, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.