You’re waking up on a cold Saturday in mid-January, specifically January 17, 2026, and that familiar itch for baseball is starting to set in. It’s that weird time of year. The snow is likely piling up outside Wrigley Field, but inside the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, things are heating up. If you are looking for what channel cubs on today, you aren't looking for a live game—at least not yet. You’re looking for the 2026 Cubs Convention.
The North Siders aren't playing a Cactus League game for another month, but the "unofficial" start of the season is happening right now. Honestly, after the blockbuster winter Jed Hoyer just pulled off, the vibe is different this year. Fans are hungry to see the new faces.
Where to Watch the Chicago Cubs Today
If you are sitting on your couch trying to find the broadcast, your destination is Marquee Sports Network. They have the exclusive rights to almost everything Cubs-related, and today is no exception. While they aren't throwing pitches, they are broadcasting live panels, interviews, and the general madness of the convention.
Since it's Saturday, the coverage is heavy. You can catch the "Baseball Operations Update" with Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins starting around 9:00 AM CT. This is where the real nerds—myself included—listen for hints about any remaining free-agent moves. Later in the afternoon, Marquee usually pivots to "Cubs 360" or "Cubs Classics" if they aren't carrying a specific panel live.
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If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't totally out of luck. The Marquee Sports Network App is the direct-to-consumer way to stream this. You can buy a monthly subscription or log in with your cable provider credentials. It’s basically the only way to see the introductory press conferences for guys like Alex Bregman, who just signed that massive five-year, $175 million deal earlier this week. Seeing him in a Cubs jersey for the first time? Yeah, that’s worth the channel flip.
Why Today’s Broadcast Actually Matters
Usually, mid-January TV is just filler. Not today. This year's convention is massive because it marks the 10-year reunion of the 2016 World Series team. If you tune in, you’re going to see legends like Anthony Rizzo (who's back for the festivities), Ben Zobrist, and even David Ross.
There's also a heavy heart in the room this year. This is the first convention since the passing of Ryne Sandberg last summer. Marquee is airing a special panel dedicated to "Ryno" today. It’s going to be emotional. Expect to see former teammates like Rick Sutcliffe and Bobby Dernier sharing stories that you won't hear anywhere else.
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The Key Times to Note:
- 9:00 AM CT: Front Office Update (The "Will they sign another pitcher?" hour).
- 10:00 AM CT: Sit down with Manager Craig Counsell.
- 11:00 AM CT: The Compound LIVE with Ian Happ.
- 12:00 PM CT: Pitchers panel (featuring the new trade acquisition Edward Cabrera).
What About Actual Baseball Games?
I know, you want to see the ivy green and the scoreboard flipping. We aren't there yet. If you are asking what channel cubs on today because you’re looking for a score, you’ve got a short wait ahead.
The first actual game on the 2026 schedule is a Cactus League matchup against the Chicago White Sox on February 20, 2026. That game will also be on Marquee Sports Network.
Once the regular season kicks off on March 26 against the Washington Nationals, the broadcast landscape gets a bit more crowded. Most games stay on Marquee, but you’ll have the occasional national window on:
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- ESPN (Sunday Night Baseball is still the king of late-night weekend viewing).
- FOX/FS1 (The Saturday afternoon tradition).
- Apple TV+ (Those Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders aren't going anywhere).
But for today? It's all about the Sheraton Grand.
Getting the Most Out of the Offseason Coverage
Don’t just mindlessly scroll. If you’re a die-hard, the "Cubs 360" segments on Marquee are actually pretty good for catching the nuances of the Edward Cabrera trade. We gave up Owen Caissie, which hurt, but seeing Cabrera’s projected stats on the big screen makes the medicine go down a little easier.
Also, keep an eye on the Cubs Radio Network. While 670 The Score is the flagship, they aren't doing 24/7 convention coverage like the TV side. However, Pat Hughes is at the convention today. Any time you can hear Pat’s voice, your day gets 10% better automatically.
Basically, if your TV is tuned to Marquee, you've found the right spot. They’ve got the cameras in the ballrooms, the lobby, and the "autograph basements." It’s the closest thing to being there without having to pay $15 for a hotel sandwich.
Your Next Steps for Cubs Coverage
To stay updated as the 2026 season approaches, you should verify your access to Marquee Sports Network before Spring Training begins in February. If you are an out-of-market fan, check your MLB.TV subscription status, as the 2026 packages usually renew right around this time. For those in the Chicago area, ensure your cable or streaming provider (like Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM) still carries the network to avoid any Opening Day blackouts.