So, you’re looking for the Bronx Bombers on your TV guide right now. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. You’ve got the snacks ready, or maybe you’re just trying to plan your afternoon around some pinstripes. Here’s the cold, hard reality that every die-hard fan hits this time of year: There is no Yankee game on television today.
I know, it’s not what you wanted to hear. But since it’s mid-January, the guys are currently nowhere near a stadium with a broadcast crew. If you're seeing "Yankees" in your search results or on social media today, it’s almost certainly talk about the recent roster moves—like the team re-signing right-hander Paul Blackburn just yesterday, or the trade for lefty Ryan Weathers earlier this week.
What Time Is The Yankee Game On Television Today? Not Today, But Soon
Basically, the MLB calendar is in its deepest sleep. While the front office is busy making moves, the actual players are still a few weeks away from even reporting to Florida. If you’re itching for live baseball, you’ve got a bit more of a wait.
The first time you'll actually see a New York Yankee game on television this year is when Spring Training kicks off in February. Specifically, the Yankees open their Grapefruit League schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026, against the Baltimore Orioles.
✨ Don't miss: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
That game is in Sarasota, so unless you're making the trip to Ed Smith Stadium, you'll be looking for it on the YES Network or MLB.tv. Most Spring Training games start at 1:05 PM ET, which is the standard "day game" slot for Florida ball.
The 2026 Spring Training Countdown
Honestly, the wait is the worst part. But we have dates now.
- February 11-12: Pitchers, catchers, and World Baseball Classic participants report.
- February 20: The first unofficial "game day" (Away vs. Orioles).
- February 21: The home opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa vs. the Detroit Tigers.
- March 25: Opening Night. This is the big one.
Why 2026 Is Different for Yankee Fans
This isn't just a normal year. You've probably heard the buzz about the schedule already. Major League Baseball is doing something wild for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
🔗 Read more: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
The Yankees are actually part of a standalone Opening Night game. They’ll be in San Francisco taking on the Giants on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Because it’s a West Coast night game, expect a late television start—likely around 10:00 PM ET. It's a "stay up late and regret it at work" kind of game, but it's the first real one that counts.
Where to Watch in 2026
The broadcast landscape is getting kinda messy. You can't just rely on one channel anymore.
- YES Network: Still the home for the vast majority of games.
- Amazon Prime Video: They still have those exclusive Friday night games. They recently announced their 2026 slate, and the Yankees are heavily featured again.
- NBC and Peacock: Here’s the curveball. MLB and NBC struck a big deal for 2026. The Yankees will be on NBC/Peacock for several major matchups, including a massive Sunday Night Baseball game against the Red Sox on June 28.
- Apple TV+: "Friday Night Baseball" is still a thing, so keep that subscription active if you want every single inning.
When Does The Regular Season Actually Start?
If you're asking about the "real" games—the ones that go toward the standings—you have to wait until late March.
💡 You might also like: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 season is starting earlier than almost any season in history. After that Opening Night spotlight in San Francisco on March 25, the rest of the league joins in on March 26. The Yankees will stay on the West Coast for a bit, facing Seattle before finally heading back to the Bronx for their home opener on April 3, 2026, against the Miami Marlins.
Missing The Action? Here Is What To Do Instead
Since there isn't a game on TV today, January 17, you’re stuck with highlights and hot takes. If you really need a fix, the YES Network usually runs "Yankees Classics" or "Yankees Magazine" this time of year.
You could also check out the Caribbean Series or winter ball highlights if you just need to see a ball hit a bat. But for Judge, Soto, and the rest of the crew? You’re looking at about 34 days until that first Spring Training broadcast.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your subscriptions: If you cancelled MLB.tv or your cable package's sports tier in October, now is the time to see when the "Early Bird" pricing starts for 2026.
- Mark March 25: Put it in your phone calendar now. It’s a Wednesday. You’re going to need coffee on Thursday morning.
- Sync the schedule: Go to the official Yankees site and download the 2026 calendar to your Outlook or Google Calendar. It’ll update the TV times automatically as they get finalized.
The "What time is the Yankee game on television today" question will have a much more exciting answer in about five weeks. Until then, stay warm and keep an eye on the trade wires.