You've probably spent the last decade just muscle-memory clicking to ESPN to find the long balls. It’s what we do. But 2026 has officially thrown a 100-mph fastball at our viewing habits. If you're frantically scrolling through your cable guide right now wondering what channel is the home run derby on tonight, the answer is actually going to require an internet connection for most of you.
The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby is making its exclusive debut on Netflix.
Yeah, you read that right. The streaming giant finally moved into the live baseball space in a massive way this year, snatching the rights away from the traditional cable giants. It’s a huge shift. For the first time, the Midsummer Classic's most explosive night isn't on a "channel" in the 20th-century sense. It's an app on your smart TV.
Where to find the Derby tonight (and how to watch)
So, here’s the deal. Since we're in Philadelphia this year at Citizens Bank Park, the atmosphere is going to be electric. The Phillies fans don't do "quiet," and that short porch in right field is basically a landing pad for the league's biggest sluggers. If you want to see the action, you need to open the Netflix app.
Don't bother looking for it on ESPN or FS1. They don't have it.
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The broadcast typically kicks off around 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). Because it's Netflix, you won't have to worry about local blackouts for this specific event—it's a national (and global) stream. If you’re one of those people who still has a cable box and no smart TV, you might be in a bit of a pickle unless you can plug in a Roku, Fire Stick, or just use your laptop with an HDMI cord.
What about the "traditional" ways?
Honestly, the "traditional" ways are disappearing. MLB has been aggressive about this. While FOX still holds the rights to the actual All-Star Game tomorrow night, the Derby was part of a specific package that Netflix outbid everyone for.
- Streaming Platform: Netflix (Exclusive)
- Alternative Viewing: None (Unless you count the Spanish-language broadcast on TUDN/UniMás in some markets, but even those have shifted toward streaming-first models).
- Radio: You can still catch the audio on ESPN Radio if you’re stuck in the car.
The Philly Factor: Why tonight is different
Citizens Bank Park is a hitter's paradise. We all know that. But what people often forget is how the humidity in Philly during July makes the ball carry like it’s been shot out of a cannon.
The 2026 field is stacked with guys who can take advantage of those 330-foot lines. Everyone is looking at the local favorites, but the new format tweaks have made this more of a sprint than a marathon.
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The 2026 rules have kept the "time limit" but added a strict "pitch limit" for the bonus rounds to prevent the hitters from completely gassing out. It makes for better TV, honestly. You don't want to watch a guy wheezing by the third round. You want to watch them launch 500-foot moonshots into the Ashburn Alley.
How to stream if you don't have Netflix
If you aren't a subscriber, you can't just "buy" the game like a pay-per-view. You'll need an active subscription. However, if you're a T-Mobile customer, check your "T-Mobile Tuesdays" (now T-Life) app. They’ve historically offered MLB-related perks, though with the move to Netflix, you’re more likely to find success if you already have the "Netflix on Us" deal that comes with many Magenta plans.
If you’re watching from a sports bar, make sure they actually have the capability to stream. A lot of old-school bars are still tied to satellite dishes and might not even have the apps set up. It’s worth a quick phone call before you head out and realize they’re showing a rerun of a poker tournament on a loop.
Why the move to Netflix matters
This isn't just about baseball. It’s about the fragmentation of sports.
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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has been pretty vocal about wanting to reach "younger, more tech-savvy audiences." By putting the Home Run Derby—the most "highlight-reel" event in the sport—on Netflix, they are betting that the reach of 270 million global subscribers is better than the dwindling numbers of cable households.
It’s a gamble. Some fans are going to be annoyed. My dad certainly is; he spent twenty minutes looking for the "Netflix channel number" on his remote yesterday. But for most of us, it’s just one more app to click.
Quick Checklist for Tonight
- Check your login: Make sure you aren't "logged out" of your Netflix account 5 minutes before the first pitch.
- Update the app: Smart TVs are notorious for needing a 200MB update right when you want to watch something live. Do it now.
- Sync the audio: If you're listening to the radio while watching the stream, expect a 15-30 second delay on the Netflix side. It’s the nature of streaming.
- Food prep: The Derby is long. It’s basically a three-hour celebration of exit velocity. Get your snacks ready before the first bracket starts.
If you're still confused about what channel is the home run derby on tonight, just remember: if you see "Stranger Things" or "Bridgerton" on your screen, you’re in the right place. Just look for the big "LIVE" banner at the top of the homepage.
To get the most out of the night, you'll want to keep a live bracket open on your phone. MLB.com usually has a real-time tracker that shows the distance and launch angle of every single hit, which is a lot of fun to follow while the broadcast team is losing their minds over a ball hitting the scoreboard. Keep an eye on the wind speeds at Citizens Bank Park; if it’s blowing out to right, the lefties are going to put on a historic show.