Is There a Phillies Game Today?
Let’s be real: you’re probably here because you’re looking for a channel, a start time, or maybe just a bit of hope that baseball is back. But it's January 18, 2026. If you flip on NBC Sports Philadelphia right now, you aren't going to see Bryce Harper digging into the box at Citizens Bank Park. You’ll probably see a replay of a 2025 blowout or maybe some Sixers pre-game coverage.
The short answer is: The Phillies are not on any TV channel today because it is the deep offseason.
There is no game. No live broadcast. No "High Hopes" echoing through South Philly just yet. We are currently in that weird limbo where the hot stove is burning, but the grass is still dormant. However, just because there isn't a game on doesn't mean there isn't news. In fact, if you’ve been following the winter meetings and the recent frenzy, the 2026 roster is looking wildly different than the one that finished last October.
Where to Find Phillies Content Right Now
If you are itching for Phillies content today, you have a few specific places to turn while we wait for the equipment trucks to head south to Clearwater.
- NBC Sports Philadelphia / NBCSP+: This is still the home of the Phils. During the offseason, they run "Phillies Postseason Classics" and various "year in review" specials. It’s basically the comfort food of television for anyone missing the bank.
- MLB Network: They are currently obsessed with the recent free-agency moves. Since the Phillies just made headlines with the J.T. Realmuto three-year, $45 million reunion, you’ll likely see analysts breaking down what that means for the 2026 pitching staff.
- The Podcasts: Honestly, this is where the real action is in January. "High Hopes" or "The Good Phight" are usually dropping episodes about the failed Bo Bichette pursuit—which, wow, what a rollercoaster that was.
When Does the 2026 Season Actually Start?
You’ve got a little over a month of waiting left.
The Phillies are scheduled to kick off their Grapefruit League play on Saturday, February 21, 2026, against the Blue Jays. That's when you can finally ask "what channel is Phillies on today" and get an actual channel number for an answer. Most of those spring training games land on NBC Sports Philadelphia, though a few are often picked up by MLB Network for the national crowd.
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The 2026 Regular Season officially begins on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The Phils are starting the year at home against the Texas Rangers. It’s an afternoon start—4:15 p.m. ET—and you can bet the atmosphere will be electric. If you're looking for that specific game, it'll be on NBC Sports Philadelphia, but keep an eye on the national schedule.
The New 2026 TV Landscape: Peacock and Beyond
Things are getting a little complicated for fans who just want to watch the game without having five different logins.
Major League Baseball has shifted its broadcast rights significantly for the 2026 season. You’ve probably heard the news: Peacock is now the home of Sunday Night Baseball. This is a massive shift. For years, we knew Sunday nights meant ESPN. Not anymore. If the Phillies are playing a high-profile Sunday game—like their April 19 matchup against the Braves—you won’t find it on cable. You’ll need a Peacock subscription.
Here is the breakdown of the weird "one-off" games you need to watch out for in 2026:
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- Peacock/NBC: They have the exclusive rights to the Sunday night slot. The Phillies are already slated for several appearances here, including games against the Mets (June 21) and the Yankees (July 26).
- Netflix: This is the big shocker for 2026. Netflix is now the exclusive home for the Home Run Derby, which is actually happening at Citizens Bank Park this year on July 13. They also have the Field of Dreams game on August 13 where the Phillies take on the Twins in Iowa.
- Apple TV+: "Friday Night Baseball" is still a thing. Expect at least 3-4 Phillies games to migrate there throughout the summer.
Tracking the Offseason Moves
Since you can't watch a game today, you might as well catch up on what Dave Dombrowski has been doing with the front office. It’s been a busy January.
The biggest news, of course, is that the "Best Catcher in Baseball" is staying put. After a lot of back-and-forth, J.T. Realmuto signed that three-year deal to stay in Philly. It felt like he might walk for a second there, especially when the Mets started sniffing around, but the Phils got it done.
We also have to talk about the ones who got away. The Phillies reportedly made a massive seven-year, $200 million offer to Bo Bichette. It seemed like a lock until the Mets swooped in with a short-term, high-AAV deal that stole him away at the last second. It hurts, but that’s the "Hot Stove" for you.
On the pitching side, things are looking... youthful? With Ranger Suárez headed to the Red Sox, all eyes are on Andrew Painter. He’s 22 now, healthy, and looking like the real deal. The 2026 rotation will lean heavily on Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, but the success of this season really depends on if the kids like Painter and Cristopher Sánchez can hold the line.
Why the Search for the Channel Matters Today
It’s funny—people search for the Phillies channel in January because baseball is a rhythm. It’s a 162-game heartbeat that we miss when it’s gone.
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Even though there’s no live game today, the search usually spikes when a big transaction happens. People want to see the press conference or hear the local guys talk about the trade.
If you’re looking for the Phillies press conferences, your best bet is the NBC Sports Philadelphia app or the official Phillies YouTube channel. They usually stream the introductory or re-signing conferences live there.
Actionable Steps for the Phillies Fan Today
Since there is no game on the tube, here is how you can actually prepare for the 2026 season right now:
- Check your subscriptions: If you don't have Peacock or Netflix, you are going to miss at least 5-10 major Phillies events this year. Now is the time to see if your cell phone plan or internet provider offers them for free.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official MLB site and download the 2026 schedule to your phone. It’ll automatically update with game times and channel listings as they are confirmed.
- Audit your gear: Opening Day is March 26. If your Bryce Harper jersey is looking a little "well-loved" (read: stained with mustard), the January sales are the best time to refresh the wardrobe before the spring surge.
- Follow the transactions: Keep an eye on MLB Trade Rumors. The Phillies still have a few holes in the outfield and the bullpen. With the 40-man roster currently full, expect a trade involving a name you know (maybe Nick Castellanos?) to make room for a new arrival.
The wait is almost over. Clearwater is calling, and before you know it, you won't have to ask what channel the game is on—you'll already have it tuned in.