Right now, if you are frantically searching for what time is the texas rangers game today on tv, you are probably met with a confusing mix of NFL playoff scores and "TBD" placeholders. It's January 18, 2026. The air is crisp, the football playoffs are in full swing, and honestly, the diamond at Globe Life Field is currently empty.
There is no Texas Rangers game today.
Baseball is a game of rhythm, but that rhythm hasn't quite started its 2026 beat yet. If you see a "live" link or a sketchy streaming site claiming to have the Rangers vs. the Astros today, close the tab immediately. It’s likely a scam or an old replay being passed off as live content to catch desperate fans.
When Does the Real Action Start?
Basically, we are in the "dead zone" of the MLB calendar. But the good news? The wait is almost over. Major League Baseball just released the official 2026 reporting dates, and the Rangers are one of the first squads to get back to work.
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Pitchers and catchers for Texas are scheduled to report to Surprise, Arizona, on February 10, 2026. That is less than a month away. The full squad follows shortly after on February 15. This is when the beat writers start posting those grainy videos of bullpen sessions that we all obsess over even though they don't count for anything.
If you are looking for the very first televised Rangers game of the year, mark your calendar for Friday, February 20, 2026. That’s the Cactus League opener against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Kickoff—well, first pitch—is set for 2:05 PM CST.
What Time Is The Texas Rangers Game Today On TV: The 2026 Opening Day Countdown
While today is a wash for live baseball, the regular season schedule is already set in stone. The Rangers are opening the 2026 campaign on the road this time.
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The official Opening Day for Texas is Thursday, March 26, 2026. They are heading to the City of Brotherly Love to face the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The game is scheduled for a 3:05 PM CST start.
Here is how the early season TV landscape looks for the Rangers:
- Regional Broadcasts: Most games will still live on Bally Sports Southwest (or whatever the rebranded Diamond Sports Group entity is called by March).
- National Spotlight: NBC and Peacock have significantly expanded their MLB coverage for 2026. Texas already has three confirmed "Sunday Night Baseball" appearances on NBC/Peacock: May 3 at Detroit, May 24 at the Angels, and June 14 at Boston.
- Streaming: Apple TV+ will continue its Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders. Given the Rangers' status as a perennial contender lately, expect them to pop up there at least twice in the first half of the season.
Why You Can't Find the Game Today
It’s easy to get turned off by the calendar. Maybe you saw a highlight on MLB Network and thought it was live. Or maybe you're like me and just miss the sound of a wood bat.
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Today, January 18, is dominated by the NFL Divisional Round. In fact, the Houston Texans are playing the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET today. A lot of sports bars in North Texas will be packed, but they'll be watching the pigskin, not the horsehide.
There’s also the 2026 World Cup factor to consider. Because Arlington is a host city, the Rangers have a weirdly compressed home schedule in June and July to accommodate the soccer crowds. This has led to some odd scheduling quirks that might be confusing fans who are trying to plan their viewing months in advance.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Season
If you're itching for Rangers content right now, your best bet isn't the TV—it's the prospect reports. Baseball America just dropped their 2026 Top Prospects list, and the Rangers' farm system is still looking surprisingly deep despite all the recent graduations to the big leagues.
Kinda crazy to think about, but we’re also entering the final year of several key contracts. The front office has been quiet this winter, but that usually means a late-January flurry of minor league deals with spring training invites. Keep an eye on the transaction wire this week; that’s where the "game" is being played right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Rangers Fans
Instead of searching for a game that isn't happening today, do these three things to get ready for February:
- Sync your digital calendar: Go to the official Rangers website and download the 2026 schedule directly to your phone. It automatically updates for time changes and TV network assignments.
- Check your RSN status: If you’ve switched cable or streaming providers recently (like moving to Fubo or sticking with Spectrum), verify that you still have access to the regional sports network before the February 20 exhibition opener.
- Book Surprise travel now: If you're planning to head to Arizona for Spring Training, do it today. Prices for flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor always spike the week pitchers and catchers report.