If you’re standing in your living room in the Bronx or sitting at a bar in Queens asking what channel is the yankee game on in new york, I’ve got some news. It’s not just Channel 11 anymore. Actually, it hasn't been that simple for a long time, but 2026 has turned into a whole different animal. The days of just flipping to YES and calling it a night are basically over. Don’t get me wrong, the YES Network is still the king of Pinstripes, but Major League Baseball decided to get "creative" with the broadcast rights this year.
Now we’re dealing with Netflix, Amazon, NBC, and even Peacock. It’s a lot. Honestly, you need a spreadsheet just to figure out where Aaron Judge is hitting home runs on a Tuesday night.
The YES Network Is Still Your Best Bet
For about 80% of the season, the answer to what channel is the yankee game on in new york is the YES Network. This is the home turf. If it’s a random Tuesday against the Royals or a Thursday afternoon game in Tampa, YES is where you’ll find Michael Kay and the crew.
But there’s a catch. You’ve probably heard about the mess with Comcast lately. Thankfully, as of January 2026, they finally settled that headache. YES is staying on the expanded basic tier for Xfinity customers, so you don't have to sell a kidney for a "premium sports package" just to watch the Bombers. If you’ve cut the cord, you’re looking at the Gotham Sports App. It launched a couple of years back and combined YES with MSG. It’s pricey—around $25 a month—but it’s the only way to stream the local games without a cable login.
👉 See also: Was Bill Belichick Ever Married? What Most People Get Wrong
The Netflix "Opening Night" Shock
Here is something that would’ve sounded like a prank five years ago: The 2026 season actually starts on Netflix.
The Yankees open up against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Wednesday, March 25. It’s a standalone game. No other teams are playing. And the only way to see it is through your Netflix account. This is part of a new three-year deal where Netflix gets the "big events." They’ve also snatched up the Home Run Derby. So, if you’re planning an Opening Night party, make sure someone knows the Netflix password.
When NBC and Peacock Take Over Sundays
Remember when Sunday Night Baseball was exclusively an ESPN thing? Well, the landscape shifted. For the 2026 season, NBC and Peacock are the new primary homes for Sunday night games.
✨ Don't miss: Vertical Leap: What Most People Get Wrong About Jumping Higher
- Sunday Night Baseball: Most of these are on the main NBC broadcast channel.
- Sunday Leadoff: These are those early morning/noon games that are exclusive to Peacock.
- The "Roadblock": Mark your calendar for July 5, 2026. MLB and NBC are doing this "Star-Spangled Sunday" thing where every single game played that day will be shown across NBC or Peacock.
The Yankees have at least three confirmed appearances on NBC/Peacock this season, including a massive series against the Red Sox in late June and a home stand against the Dodgers in July.
Don't Forget the Friday Night Amazon Games
Amazon Prime Video is still in the mix. They usually take about 20 to 21 games a year, and they are almost always on Friday nights. If you’re a Prime member, you’re good. If not, you’re listening to the radio.
Speaking of radio, if you're stuck in traffic on the BQE and can't find the TV channel, WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM is still the gold standard. Dave Sims has taken over the play-by-play duties alongside the legendary Suzyn Waldman. Honestly, sometimes the radio call is better than the TV broadcast anyway.
🔗 Read more: U of Washington Football News: Why Jedd Fisch’s Roster Overhaul Is Working
Summarizing the 2026 Broadcast Mess
To keep it simple, here is a quick breakdown of where to look based on the day of the week:
- Most Weekdays/Saturdays: Check the YES Network first.
- Friday Nights: Check Amazon Prime Video.
- Sunday Nights: Flip to NBC (Channel 4 in New York).
- Sunday Mornings: Open the Peacock app.
- Random Big Games: Apple TV+ still has a handful of Friday night doubleheaders, and ESPN still keeps about 30 exclusive weeknight games nationwide.
How to Check the Daily Schedule
Since the channel changes faster than a Gerrit Cole fastball, the best thing you can do is check the MLB At Bat app or the official Yankees schedule page about two hours before first pitch. They usually update the "TV" column with the exact local or national broadcaster.
If you are out-of-market—meaning you live in Florida or California but bleed Pinstripes—your life is actually easier. You just buy MLB.TV. But if you live in the New York zip codes, MLB.TV will black you out for every single live game. In that case, you're back to the YES Network or the Gotham Sports App.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your cable tier: If you have Comcast/Xfinity, verify that YES is still active on your box before the March 25 opener.
- Download the Gotham Sports App: If you don't have cable, get this set up now so you aren't fumbling with credit card info five minutes before the first pitch.
- Update your Netflix: Ensure your subscription is active if you want to see the season opener against the Giants.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the Yankees official site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature; it often includes the broadcast partner for each game so you don't have to guess.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride, and while the "what channel" question is annoying, the roster looks solid enough to make the hunt for the right app worth the effort.