If you’re scrolling through your guide or frantically searching for what channel are the dodgers playing today, I have some news that might be a little frustrating. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. Honestly, if you look out at Dodger Stadium right now, the only thing you’ll see is a quiet diamond and maybe some groundskeeping crews prepping for the spring.
There is no game today.
Baseball is currently in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season. It's that weird time of year where the only "home runs" happen in front of a microphone at a press conference or through a leaked tweet from an MLB insider. While the Dodgers are always making moves—especially with the massive expectations weighing on this 2026 roster—the actual on-field action is still about a month away.
When Do the Dodgers Actually Start Playing?
You don't have to wait that long. The 2026 Cactus League schedule is already set, and the boys in blue will be heading to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, very soon.
The first time you can catch them on a TV channel will be Friday, February 20, 2026. That’s the official Spring Training opener. In a fun twist for local fans, they’ll be taking on the Chicago Cubs right there in Glendale.
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Here is the quick breakdown of those early dates so you can mark your calendar:
- February 20: Spring Training Opener vs. Chicago Cubs (Cactus League)
- February 21: Away game against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe
- March 26: Regular Season Opening Day vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Basically, we are in the final stretch of the offseason. If you're looking for the Dodgers channel today, the best you'll find is probably a replay of a 2024 classic or a highlight reel of Shohei Ohtani’s latest historic milestones on SportsNet LA.
What Channel Will the Dodgers Be On in 2026?
When the season finally kicks off in late March, finding the game can sometimes feel like a part-time job. Between the regional blackouts and the national "exclusives," you kinda need a map.
For the vast majority of the 162-game grind, Spectrum SportsNet LA is the home of the Dodgers. If you live in the Los Angeles market, that’s your primary destination. If you've cut the cord, your options are a bit more limited than they used to be, but DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo are usually the go-to platforms that carry the regional sports networks (RSNs).
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National Broadcasts to Watch For
Because the Dodgers are essentially the "Evil Empire" of the West Coast (and I mean that with love), they get flexed into national spots constantly. You’ll want to keep an eye on:
- FOX and FS1: For those Saturday night showcases.
- ESPN: Sunday Night Baseball is a staple for this team.
- NBC and Peacock: Major League Baseball recently expanded its deal with NBC, so you'll see several Dodgers games streaming exclusively on Peacock or airing on NBC this year.
- Apple TV+: "Friday Night Baseball" usually snags at least three or four Dodgers games a season.
Dealing with the Infamous Blackout Rules
I get it. It’s annoying. You pay for MLB.tv thinking you’ve solved the problem, only to find out you’re "blacked out" because you live too close to the stadium.
If you are "in-market" (basically anywhere from Santa Barbara down to San Diego and out to Vegas), MLB.tv will not show the live game. It only works for out-of-market fans. For local fans without cable, the most reliable way to watch today—well, once the season starts—is the SportsNet LA+ direct-to-consumer subscription. It’s roughly $30 a month, which sounds steep, but for 162 games of Vin Scully's successors, it's the price of admission.
What’s the Vibe for the 2026 Season?
There’s a lot of chatter about the rotation this year. Experts like Cody Snavely and various MLB insiders have pointed out that the 2026 Dodgers are built differently. We’re seeing a mix of veteran leadership—guys like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman—blending with the next wave of pitching talent coming off of rehab or minor league stints.
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The big question everyone is asking at the sports bars right now isn't about the channel, but about the health of the arms. Can the rotation hold up for a full October run? We saw what happened in previous years when the gas tank hit empty in the NLDS.
Actionable Steps for Dodgers Fans Today
Since there’s no game on the tube right now, here is what you should actually do to get ready for the 2026 season:
- Check your subscription status: If you use DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo, make sure your plan still includes SportsNet LA before the February 20th opener.
- Download the MLB App: Sync the Dodgers schedule to your phone calendar. This prevents that "wait, what time is the game?" panic in April.
- Look into Spring Training tickets: If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, Camelback Ranch tickets for the February games are already on sale.
- Watch the "Hot Stove" reports: Keep an eye on MLB Network for any late-January trades. The Dodgers are never truly "done" with their roster.
The wait is almost over. While you won't find the Dodgers playing today, the sound of catcher's mitts popping in Glendale is only a few weeks away. Keep your remote close and your Spectrum login closer.