So, you’re sitting there on a Saturday in mid-January, ready to watch some baseball, and you realize the calendar hasn't quite caught up to your cravings. If you are looking for what channel is the Texas Rangers game on tonight, the short, honest answer is that there isn't a game happening on January 17, 2026. We are currently in the deep freeze of the MLB offseason.
I know, it’s a bummer. But even though the diamond at Globe Life Field is quiet right now, there is actually a ton of stuff happening behind the scenes. The way we watch the Rangers has completely changed for the 2026 season. If you haven't checked the news lately, the old Bally Sports days are officially dead and buried.
Basically, the Rangers have taken over their own TV destiny. No more wondering if your cable provider is going to drop the channel mid-season because of a contract dispute. The team launched the Rangers Sports Network (RSN), and honestly, it’s a bit of a game-changer for fans in North Texas and beyond.
Where to Find the Rangers Right Now
While there’s no live game tonight, the team is actually right in the middle of their 2026 Kroger Winter Warm-Up Week. If you’re just itching for some Rangers content, you’ve actually got a few options to tide you over until Spring Training.
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- Radio is your best friend tonight: If you want the latest "Hot Stove" talk, flip your dial to 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM). This is the flagship home for the Rangers Radio Network. They usually have offseason programming or "best of" segments running on Saturday nights.
- The Winter Warm-Up: Earlier this week, guys like Nathan Eovaldi and Evan Carter were doing pop-up appearances at local Krogers. Tonight, you can usually find recaps of these events on the official Rangers social media channels or on the new Victory+ app.
- MLB Network: They’ve usually got 24/7 coverage of the league. Since it’s January, they’re mostly dissecting free-agent rumors and trade packages.
The Big Switch: What Channel Is The Texas Rangers Game On Tonight (When Season Starts)
When the 2026 season finally kicks off, you aren't going to find the games on the same old channel. The Rangers moved to their own dedicated network called Rangers Sports Network.
It's kinda confusing at first because "RSN" is also a generic term for Regional Sports Networks, but that is the actual name of the channel. For most of us in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the flagship station for over-the-air (OTA) games is KDAF CW33. They’ve got a package of about 15 games, mostly those big Friday night home games that everyone loves.
For the rest of the schedule, you’re looking at these specific channel numbers if you’re still using traditional cable or satellite:
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- DirecTV: Channel 677.
- AT&T U-Verse: Channel 1752 (HD) or 752 (SD).
- Spectrum: This one is a little weird because it varies by zip code. Usually, it’s around Channel 310 in the DFW metroplex or 305 in places like Austin and San Antonio. If you’re using the Spectrum TV App, look for Channel 448.
Streaming Is Actually Easier Now
Honestly, the best part of the 2026 setup is the Victory+ app. If you’ve cut the cord and were tired of paying $100 a month for a giant cable package just to see Corey Seager hit home runs, this is for you.
The Rangers partnered with Victory+ to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming service. It’s $100 for a full season pass. That’s it. No cable box required. You can get it on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and even your phone. If you already have a cable subscription that includes RSN, you can usually just log in to the Victory+ app with your provider credentials and watch for free.
Spring Training Is Right Around The Corner
We don't have long to wait. The first game of the 2026 preseason is scheduled for Friday, February 20. The Rangers will be taking on the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium in Arizona.
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That game will likely be on the Rangers Sports Network or streamed via the MLB.com website. Here is a quick look at the first few games of the spring schedule so you can mark your calendars:
- Feb 20: vs Kansas City Royals
- Feb 21: @ Chicago Cubs (Sloan Park)
- Feb 22: vs Colorado Rockies
- Feb 24: vs Arizona Diamondbacks
What About MLB.tv?
If you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the "home territory," MLB.tv is still a nightmare. Blackout rules still apply. Even in 2026, MLB hasn't fully figured out how to let local fans stream on their main platform without a VPN. If you live in, say, New York or California, you can watch every Rangers game on MLB.tv. But if you're local, stick to Victory+ or the Rangers Sports Network.
A Quick Reality Check on the Roster
While you're waiting for that first pitch in February, the "Hot Stove" is still simmering. The team has been aggressive in the offseason, looking to bolster the bullpen which—let's be real—was a bit of a roller coaster last year. Keep an eye on the news tonight; with Fan Fest coming up on January 24 at Globe Life Field, there are usually some last-minute roster moves or "minor league deal" announcements that pop up on Saturday evenings.
Actionable Next Steps
Since there isn't a game on TV tonight, here is what you should do to get ready for the 2026 season:
- Download the Victory+ App: Do it now and set up your account. It’s better to troubleshoot your login today than 10 minutes before Opening Day.
- Check your local listings: If you have Spectrum or DirecTV, scroll through your guide to find "Rangers Sports Network" or "RSN" to make sure it's in your package.
- Grab Fan Fest Tickets: If you’re in North Texas, Fan Fest is next Saturday (Jan 24). It’s the best way to see the players up close before they head to Arizona.
- Update your MLB App: Ensure your favorite team is set to the Rangers so you get notifications the second a trade or signing happens tonight.