So, you’re looking at the calendar and wondering when exactly the "Pennant" is actually decided. It’s that weird time of year where the air gets crisp, the beer stays cold longer, and every single pitch feels like it might cause a collective heart attack for half a city. If you’re trying to plan your life around the national league championship series dates, you’ve gotta understand that MLB treats its postseason schedule like a high-stakes puzzle.
Honestly, the schedule is never just "random." It’s a calculated dance between television networks, travel days, and the inevitable "rest vs. rust" debate.
The 2026 Postseason Timeline: Where the NLCS Fits
In 2026, the regular season is wrapping up earlier than usual—September 27, to be exact. Because the league wanted to dodge as much of the deep-winter chill as possible, the postseason kicks off almost immediately.
The Wild Card round starts things off on September 29, followed by the Division Series (NLDS). For the Senior Circuit, the road to the World Series hit its most intense stretch in mid-October.
Historically, the national league championship series dates usually kick off about 12 to 14 days after the regular season ends. For 2026, Game 1 of the NLCS is slated for Monday, October 12.
✨ Don't miss: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
The Likely Seven-Game Grind
If you’re a National League fan, you better clear your schedule for that middle chunk of October. Here is how the 2026 projection looks based on the standard 2-3-2 travel format:
- Game 1: Monday, October 12 (Hosted by the higher seed)
- Game 2: Tuesday, October 13
- Travel Day: Wednesday, October 14
- Game 3: Thursday, October 15 (Series shifts to the lower seed)
- Game 4: Friday, October 16
- Game 5: Saturday, October 17 (If necessary)
- Travel Day: Sunday, October 18
- Game 6: Monday, October 19 (Back to higher seed)
- Game 7: Tuesday, October 20 (The "Winner-Take-All" finale)
You’ll notice there’s a bit of a pattern here. MLB loves starting the American League and National League on staggered days. It’s basically so they don’t have two Game 7s happening at the exact same time, which would be a nightmare for ratings. Usually, the ALCS starts a day earlier, meaning the NLCS gets the spotlight as the "nightcap" series for much of the week.
Why These Dates Move (and Why They Stay)
Weather is the big one. If a Division Series goes to five games and gets rained out in, say, Philadelphia or Chicago, the whole thing can shift. But usually, the national league championship series dates are set in stone because of Fox and TBS.
TV money runs the show.
🔗 Read more: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
In even-numbered years like 2026, Fox and FS1 typically handle the NLCS, while TBS takes the American League. This matters because it dictates the start times. If you're on the West Coast, you're looking at 5:00 PM starts. East Coasters? You're staying up past midnight.
The "Rest" Factor
One thing nobody talks about enough is how the schedule affects the teams. If a team sweeps the NLDS, they might sit around for five days waiting for the NLCS to start.
Is that good? Some managers, like Dave Roberts or Brian Snitker, have been vocal about the "layover" killing a hitter's rhythm. You're basically asking a guy to go from 100 mph intensity to nothing, then back to 100 mph against an ace like Zack Wheeler or Logan Webb.
What to Watch for in 2026
Since the World Series is scheduled to start on October 23, the NLCS must wrap up by the 20th or 21st. This gives the pennant winner a couple of days to set their rotation, nurse some bruised ribs, and fly to wherever Game 1 is.
💡 You might also like: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
Keep an eye on the "travel days." In the old days, teams would play through. Now, those days off are vital for "bullpen games." If a team doesn't have four solid starters, they use the travel day to reset their high-leverage arms.
Actionable Tips for Fans
- Book Travel for "Gap" Days: if you’re traveling to see your team, aim for Games 3 and 4. You’re guaranteed to see two games, and if the series is a blowout, you aren't stuck with a non-existent Game 6 or 7 ticket.
- Verify the Network: Don't just assume it's on your local channel. The NLCS is almost exclusively on national cable (FS1) or main network Fox.
- Check the "If Necessary" Status: Tickets for Games 5, 6, and 7 are usually refundable, but the secondary market (StubHub/SeatGeek) can be tricky with fees. Always read the fine print on "TBD" dates.
The national league championship series dates represent the peak of the baseball season for many. It’s longer than the Division Series but more focused than the World Series. It’s pure league pride.
Next Steps for Your Planning: - Confirm your cable or streaming subscription (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Fubo) includes FS1 and Fox at least two weeks before October 12.
- If you're planning on attending in person, monitor the standings in early September; home-field advantage (and thus the location of Games 1, 2, 6, and 7) goes to the team with the better regular-season record, not necessarily the division winner.