Finding a simple answer for where to watch Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers used to be easy. You’d flip on the local sports channel and call it a day. But in 2026, the MLB broadcasting landscape has fractured into a dozen different pieces. If you're a fan in New England trying to see how the Sox handle a resurgent Tigers rotation, or a Detroiter hoping Tarik Skubal mows down the Fenway faithful, you need a map.
Honestly, it’s a mess. Between regional networks changing names and national deals moving from one streaming giant to another, you’ve basically got to be a detective to find the right channel.
The Regional Dilemma: NESN and FanDuel Sports
For most of the season, your best bet is still your local Regional Sports Network (RSN). If you’re in the Boston market—which includes most of New England—NESN is your home base. They’re still the exclusive local broadcaster for the Red Sox. You can catch the games on traditional cable or through their standalone app, NESN 360. It’s pricey, roughly $29.99 a month, but it’s the only way to avoid the dreaded "blackout" if you’re actually living in the region.
On the flip side, things have changed in Michigan. What used to be Bally Sports Detroit is now FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. If you're looking for the Tigers' broadcast, this is where you'll find it. Interestingly, Tigers fans have a new trick up their sleeve in 2026: you can now subscribe to FanDuel Sports Network as an add-on directly through Amazon Prime Video. It’s a huge win for people who hate navigating clunky, proprietary apps.
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2026 Schedule Highlights
The Red Sox and Tigers meet early and often this year. Mark these dates on your calendar because the viewing options might shift depending on the day:
- April 17–20: A four-game set at Fenway Park. Note the April 20th game—it’s Patriots' Day in Boston, so that’s a traditional 11:10 AM ET start. You'll likely find this on NESN, but national "whip-around" shows often pick it up.
- May 4–6: The Red Sox travel to Comerica Park. These are evening games, typically starting around 6:40 PM ET.
- Spring Training: If you're just looking for a fix before the season starts, they play March 6 in Lakeland and March 10 in Fort Myers. These are often hit-or-miss on TV, usually appearing on NESN or the Tigers’ radio affiliates.
National Broadcasts: The New Players
This is where it gets weird. In 2026, NBC and Peacock have taken a massive bite out of the MLB schedule. They’re airing over 60 games this year, including the new "Sunday Night Baseball" on NBC and the "Sunday Leadoff" games on Peacock. If the Red Sox and Tigers get flexed into a Sunday window, your local NESN or FanDuel subscription might actually be blacked out in favor of the national feed.
Don't forget Netflix. Starting this year, Netflix has jumped into the live sports arena with select "MLB Opening Night" and "Big Event" games. While they haven't snagged every Sox-Tigers game, they are increasingly the home for these high-profile matchups.
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Then there’s the usual suspects:
- Apple TV+: Still has "Friday Night Baseball." If the Sox and Tigers play on a Friday, check there first.
- Fox/FS1: Usually carries Saturday afternoon games.
- TBS: Still holds rights for many Tuesday night matchups.
The MLB.tv "Out-of-Market" Rule
If you live in California and want to watch the Red Sox play the Tigers, MLB.tv is your best friend. It’s the gold standard for out-of-market viewing. However, if you live in Boston or Detroit, this service is basically useless for live games due to blackout restrictions.
A frequent mistake fans make is buying MLB.tv thinking it’ll let them watch their local team without cable. It won’t. In 2026, the blackout rules are as strict as ever. The only exception is the new Nationals.TV model, which some teams are starting to pilot, but the Red Sox and Tigers are sticking to their RSN guns for now.
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How to Choose Your Service
Stop overpaying for things you don't use. Basically, if you only care about the Tigers and live in Detroit, just get the FanDuel Sports add-on for Prime Video. It’s the smoothest experience. If you’re a Red Sox die-hard in Boston, NESN 360 is your painful but necessary tax.
For the "cord-cutters" who want everything, Fubo and DirectV Stream remain the heavy hitters. They are among the few services that carry both NESN and FanDuel Sports Network alongside the national channels like FS1 and TBS.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss the next Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers first pitch, do this:
- Check your zip code: Go to the MLB Blackout tool to see exactly which team "owns" your territory.
- Audit your subscriptions: If you have Amazon Prime, check the "Channels" section for the FanDuel Sports Network add-on—it’s often easier than a separate login.
- Download the MLB App: Even if you don't pay for the stream, the app is the most reliable place to see the confirmed TV listing for that specific day’s game, which can change as late as 24 hours before first pitch.
- Verify the Sunday starts: Because of the NBC/Peacock deal, Sunday game times are more volatile. Check the schedule every Saturday night.
The era of "one channel for everything" is dead, but if you're strategic about your apps, you won't miss a single inning.