Everything changed this year. Honestly, if you're trying to figure out where to watch Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals, you might feel like you need a law degree and a tech certification just to find the right channel. The old days of just "flipping to MASN" or relying on a steady RSN (Regional Sports Network) have basically evaporated.
The 2026 season is a weird one. We’re seeing a massive shift in how Major League Baseball gets into your living room. The Washington Nationals finally cut ties with MASN after two decades of legal drama, and the Atlanta Braves are navigating the messy collapse of the FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). It’s a lot. But don't worry—I’ve done the digging to figure out exactly how you can catch the NL East rivalry this year.
The Big Shakeup: Nationals.TV and the Braves' New Reality
First, the massive news for D.C. fans: Nationals.TV is officially a thing. Starting in 2026, the Nationals are the seventh team to have their games produced and distributed directly by Major League Baseball. They followed the path of the Padres and Diamondbacks. This is actually kind of great because it means for the first time in forever, there are no blackouts if you buy the direct-to-consumer package.
On the other side, the Atlanta Braves are in a bit of a transition period. They recently terminated their contract with FanDuel Sports Network (owned by Main Street Sports Group). While there was some panic about where the games would land, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has been pretty vocal that fans won't lose access. Basically, if a deal isn't struck with a new regional partner, MLB will step in to produce Braves games just like they do for the Nats.
If You Live in the Mid-Atlantic (Nationals Territory)
If you’re in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, or parts of North Carolina, you’re looking at two main ways to watch:
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- Nationals.TV Streaming: You can buy this through the MLB App. It’s $19.99 a month or about $100 for the season. This is the "no blackout" savior we've been waiting for.
- Cable/Satellite: MLB is currently negotiating with providers like Xfinity, DIRECTV, and Cox to carry the new "Nationals.TV" channel. It won't be on MASN anymore.
If You Live in the Southeast (Braves Territory)
For fans in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina:
- The FanDuel App (For Now): Check your subscription status. If the Braves haven't fully moved to an "Atlanta.TV" model yet, the FanDuel Sports Network app is still the primary local home.
- Gray Media Stations: Here is a cool nugget—the Braves signed a deal to air about 15 games (including many Friday home games) on local over-the-air stations via Gray Media. You might just need a $20 digital antenna to see those.
- Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM: These remain the most reliable "cable replacements" that actually carry regional sports.
National Broadcasts: When the Whole Country is Watching
Sometimes, a Braves-Nationals matchup is big enough for the national stage. In 2026, MLB has a bunch of new partners. You’ve got to check the schedule because the game might not be on your local channel at all.
NBC and Peacock are back in a big way. They have a Sunday Night Baseball package and some Sunday morning "Leadoff" games. If the game is on Peacock, it’s usually an exclusive. You can't watch it on the MLB app or local cable.
Netflix has entered the chat. For the first time, Netflix is airing select live MLB events. While they mostly focus on big holidays and the Home Run Derby, don't be surprised if a high-profile rivalry game ends up on your Netflix home screen this summer.
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The usual suspects:
- ESPN: Still has its 30-game exclusive window.
- FOX/FS1: Saturday games are still their bread and butter.
- TBS/Max: Tuesday night games often feature the Braves given their massive national following.
Streaming vs. Cable: Which is Better for 2026?
Honestly? Streaming is finally winning. For years, MLB.TV was useless for local fans because of the blackouts. But with the Nationals moving to the MLB-produced model, that barrier is gone for D.C. fans.
If you’re a "cord-cutter," the best move is to download the MLB App. If you live in the market, you'll see an option to buy the local team's package (like Nationals.TV). If you live outside the market—say, you’re a Braves fan living in Seattle—a standard MLB.TV subscription covers you for every game except those national exclusives on Apple TV+ or ESPN.
One thing to keep in mind: Apple TV+ still has "Friday Night Baseball." If the Braves and Nats are playing on a Friday, and Apple picked it up, that is the only place to watch. Even with a cable sub or a Nats.TV sub, you’ll be locked out. Kinda annoying, right?
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The VPN Workaround: Is It Still a Thing?
Look, people still use VPNs to change their location and dodge blackouts. It’s a bit of a cat-and-mouse game. In 2026, MLB’s tech has gotten much better at detecting them. However, since the Nationals (and potentially the Braves) are offering direct-to-consumer options with no blackouts, the need for a VPN has dropped significantly. It’s usually more hassle than it’s worth now that you can just pay $20 a month to stream legally without the lag.
What to Do Before First Pitch
To make sure you don't miss a single pitch between the Braves and the Nationals, here is your game plan:
- Check the Zip Code: Go to MLB.com/viewer-signup and put in your zip code. It will tell you exactly which "territory" you fall into.
- Download the MLB App: Even if you don't pay for it, it’s the most accurate way to see which network has the "exclusive" for that specific night.
- Buy an Antenna: Seriously. With the Braves moving some games to local broadcast stations (Gray Media), a one-time purchase of a digital antenna can save you a ton of money over a full season.
- Consolidate Your Apps: Ensure your ESPN+, Peacock, and Max subscriptions are active if you want 100% coverage of the 162-game grind.
The landscape is shifting toward a future where you just pay for the team you want. We aren't quite at "one app for everything" yet, but for Braves and Nationals fans in 2026, the options are finally starting to favor the viewer over the big cable bundles.