Honestly, if you're waking up today, January 18, 2026, and scrambling to find out what time do the dodgers play today on tv, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown. You can put the remote down.
There is no game.
The Dodgers aren't on TV today because we are currently stuck in the heart of the "dead zone" of the baseball calendar. It’s that weird, quiet stretch where the grass at Dodger Stadium is getting its winter beauty sleep, and the players are mostly posting workout videos from their home gyms or enjoying the last bits of their vacation.
If you look at the calendar, it’s mid-January. We are exactly in the middle of NFL playoff madness—today is actually a massive day for football with the Texans, Patriots, Rams, and Bears all fighting for their lives—but for the Boys in Blue, the bats are still in the rack.
When Will the Dodgers Be Back on TV?
So, if they aren't playing today, when's the first time you can actually catch them? We’re closer than you think.
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Spring Training 2026 is just around the corner. The Dodgers are scheduled to kick off their Cactus League play on Saturday, February 21, 2026. They’ll be taking on the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. That’s the first real "Dodgers on TV" moment of the year, usually airing on SportsNet LA.
Here is the quick breakdown of the early 2026 schedule so you can plan your life:
- February 21: Spring Training Opener vs. Angels (Away)
- February 22: Dodgers vs. Padres at Peoria (Away)
- February 23: First home game at Camelback Ranch vs. Seattle Mariners
- March 26: The Big One—Opening Day vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Opening Day Spectacle
Opening Day this year is going to be a massive production. Since the Dodgers are the reigning World Series champions (again!), the 2026 home opener on March 26 at 8 p.m. ET is actually going to be the only primetime MLB game on the national schedule.
NBC and Peacock grabbed the rights for that one. It’s a huge deal because MLB is returning to NBC for the first time in 25 years. You’ll see the championship banner go up, the rings handed out, and likely Shohei Ohtani doing something that defies physics. Basically, if you were looking for what time do the dodgers play today on tv because you wanted that "big game" feel, you've got to circle March 26 on your calendar with a thick red marker.
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Where Can You Actually Watch the Dodgers in 2026?
The broadcast landscape has shifted a bit this year. While SportsNet LA is still the "home" for the 162-game grind, the national TV schedule is looking way different.
- SportsNet LA: Your daily bread and butter. If it's a Tuesday night in May, this is where you go.
- NBC and Peacock: This is the new kid on the block for 2026. They are doing "Sunday Night Baseball" and a bunch of primetime slots. They’ve already claimed the Dodgers-Padres game on July 5 and a massive Dodgers-Yankees matchup on July 19.
- FOX and FS1: They still have their "Baseball Night in America" slots, usually on Saturdays.
- ESPN: They still hold onto some big rivalry windows, though NBC has definitely eaten into their lunch this season.
Why the "Today" Search is So High Right Now
It's actually kinda funny. Every year around mid-January, "what time do the dodgers play today on tv" spikes in search traffic. Why? Because people are bored! The NFL is great, but there’s a specific type of Los Angeles fan who just wants to hear Joe Davis’s voice and see the sun setting over the San Gabriel Mountains.
We also have the World Baseball Classic (WBC) looming in 2026. On March 4, the Dodgers are actually playing an exhibition game against the Mexico National Team at Camelback Ranch. That’s going to be a weird, high-energy game that feels way more intense than a standard spring training matchup.
What to Do While You Wait
Since you can't watch a live game today, you aren't totally out of luck if you need a fix.
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First, check out the archives on MLB.tv. They usually have the "Big Games" from the 2025 championship run available for free during the off-season. Watching the clinching game of the World Series again is a solid way to spend a Sunday afternoon when the weather is crappy.
Second, keep an eye on the "Spring Breakout" games. In mid-March (specifically March 21), the Dodgers' top prospects are going to play the White Sox's future stars. It’s a televised look at the guys who will be starting in 2028 or 2029.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Dodgers site and download the 2026 schedule to your iPhone or Google Calendar now so you don't have to search for it again.
- Check your NBC/Peacock subscription: Since they have the Opening Day exclusive and several Sunday night games, make sure your login actually works before March 26.
- Set a reminder for Feb 21: That’s your first "real" date with baseball this year.
The Dodgers aren't on TV today, but the countdown to the Cactus League is officially under 35 days. Hang in there.