If you're staring at your remote wondering what channel are the orioles on today, I have some good news and some "check your calendar" news. It is currently January 18, 2026. The snow might be on the ground in Baltimore, but the crack of the bat is closer than you think.
Right now, there isn't a live game on because we are officially in the "counting down the days" phase of the winter. But the broadcast schedule for 2026 was just dropped a few days ago by the team, and things look very different this year. Like, "biggest change in twenty years" different.
The 2026 Broadcast Shakeup: What Channel are the Orioles on Today and Beyond?
Normally, if you asked about the channel, the answer was a messy "MASN or maybe MASN2." Not anymore. The Washington Nationals have finally, officially left MASN. They're doing their own thing through MLB now.
This means MASN is now the exclusive, primary home for the Birds. No more sharing airtime. No more "where is the game hiding" on the alternate channel because of a conflict.
The first time you'll actually need to find the channel this year is Friday, February 20. That's when the O's kick off their Grapefruit League schedule against the Yankees. MASN is actually going all out this spring. They’re airing 20 exhibition games live. That's a record for them. Honestly, it's about time.
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Key Dates for Your Remote
- February 11: Pitchers and catchers report. (No TV, just vibes and Twitter videos of guys playing catch).
- February 20: First televised game on MASN vs. New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m.
- March 22: The "exhibition" finale at Camden Yards against the Nationals, airing on MASN.
- March 26: Opening Day! The Orioles host the Minnesota Twins. You'll find this on MASN, but check local listings because Opening Day usually gets some national love too.
Streaming the Birds Without the Cable Headache
Look, I get it. Cable is a rip-off. If you’re trying to figure out how to stream without a $150 Comcast bill, you've got options in 2026 that actually work.
MASN+ is the big one. It’s their direct-to-consumer app. If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region (Baltimore, DC, parts of PA and NC), you can subscribe directly. No cable box required. It’s basically the "I just want my O's" button.
Then there is DIRECTV STREAM. They carry MASN on their Choice package. It’s pricey, usually around $89.99 a month, but it’s the most "traditional" experience without the contract. Fubo also carries MASN now, which is a lifesaver for cord-cutters who still want that local sports network feel.
What about MLB.TV? It’s still the gold standard if you live in, say, California or Texas. But if you’re in Baltimore? Blackouts are still a thing. Don't waste your money on the league pass if you’re local unless you’re prepared to mess around with a VPN, which—let's be real—is a hassle.
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Radio: The Old School Choice
Sometimes you just want to hear the game while you're working in the garage or stuck on 695. The Orioles Radio Network is still a powerhouse.
Hearst’s 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090) are the flagship stations. They’re covering 12 spring training games this year starting in late February. For the regular season, they have all 162.
The broadcast booth is looking solid too. Kevin Brown is back as the lead voice on TV. We also have Josh Lewin joining the crew this year. If that name sounds familiar, it should—he started in Baltimore back in '94. It’s a bit of a homecoming. Plus, Ben McDonald and Jim Palmer are still bringing that Hall of Fame insight to the color commentary.
A Quick Look at the First TV Games
- Feb 20 vs NYY: 1:05 PM on MASN.
- Feb 21 vs PIT: 1:05 PM on MASN.
- Feb 25 vs TB: 1:05 PM on MASN.
- Feb 26 vs DET: 1:05 PM on MASN.
Why the Channel Search is Changing
There is a lot of talk about "Diamond Sports Group" and "RSN meltdowns" in the news. The Orioles are in a weirdly stable spot compared to teams like the Guardians or Rangers. Because the O's own a majority of MASN, they control their own destiny.
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The fact that the Nats are gone is actually a huge win for O's fans. It simplifies everything. One channel. One app. One focus.
If you are trying to find the game right now, on January 18, you might see some classic replays or "Orioles Classics" on MASN. It’s a good way to kill time until the real thing starts in about a month.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop stressing about the channel every day and just do these three things to get ready for the 2026 season:
- Download the MASN app now. Even if you aren't subscribing yet, get your login sorted. If you have a cable login from a family member (we won't tell), test it now so you aren't scrambling on Opening Day.
- Sync your calendar. The full 2026 schedule is live on the MLB site. Most games are at 6:35 PM or 7:05 PM, but those Sunday 1:35 PM starts will sneak up on you.
- Check your local RSN fee. If you still have cable, check your bill. With the Nats leaving, keep an eye on whether your provider tries to keep charging you for "MASN2" or other fluff.
Baseball is almost back. Whether you're watching on a 75-inch 4K screen or listening to a beat-up radio, the 2026 Orioles are going to be a fun ride. See you at the Yard.