You’re waking up on Friday, January 16, 2026, wondering when do the Royals play today? Well, honestly, the short answer is: they don't. At least not on a baseball diamond with dirt and grass quite yet.
If you are looking for a box score or a starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals this morning, you're basically about a month too early. January in the MLB world is the "dead zone," but it's also when the gears really start grinding behind the scenes. While the players are still finishing up their winter workouts in places like Florida or Puerto Rico, the front office is likely staring at a calendar that is about to get very, very busy.
Where is the team right now?
Right now, the Royals are scattered. It’s the middle of the offseason. Most guys are doing their individual training. Bobby Witt Jr. is probably taking 500 swings a day in a private facility somewhere, while the pitching staff is slowly ramping up their throwing programs.
But here is the cool thing for today, January 16. Even though there isn't a game, there is a massive deadline for fans. Today is the day that Kansas City Current club members get early access to purchase tickets for the 2026 season. I mention the Current because there is often a bit of confusion in town about "the Royals"—specifically since the NWSL's Utah Royals are actually on the schedule to play Kansas City’s soccer team later this spring.
When do the Royals play today and what comes next?
Since there isn't a game on the schedule for January 16, 2026, we have to look toward the horizon. The first real "Royals" action you can put on your calendar happens in February. Specifically, the team is headed back to Surprise, Arizona, for Cactus League play.
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The first spring training game for the Kansas City Royals is Friday, February 20, 2026.
They’ll be facing off against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. That's the real starting gun. If you’re planning a trip to the desert, you should know that the games usually start at 1:05 PM local time.
The 2026 Schedule Breakdown
Once we get past the January lull, the schedule gets intense. 2026 is actually going to be a weird year for the Royals because of the World Cup. With Kansas City hosting World Cup matches, the Truman Sports Complex is going to be a madhouse.
- Opening Day: Thursday, March 26, 2026. They are playing on the road against the Atlanta Braves. This is officially the earliest Opening Day in the history of the franchise.
- Home Opener: Monday, March 30, 2026. The Minnesota Twins come to the K.
- The World Cup Impact: In June and July, the Royals have some odd scheduling gaps to accommodate the global soccer fans descending on Arrowhead next door. For example, they host the St. Louis Cardinals from June 18–21, but they have a random off-day on Saturday the 20th right in the middle of the series.
Why people are asking about the Royals today
Often, when people search for when do the Royals play today during the winter, they are actually looking for ticket info or news about the roster.
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The MLB just released the first workout dates and photo days earlier this week. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to camp in about three weeks. If any of those players are participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, they actually have to report even earlier—by February 11.
If you were hoping to see them on TV today, you might find some "Royals Classics" on Bally Sports or whatever the local network is calling itself these days. But for a live game? You’re going to have to wait 35 days.
Surprising Details for the 2026 Season
One thing most fans haven't realized yet is that MLB is returning to NBC this year. That means we’re going to see more national broadcasts that aren't tucked away on Apple TV+ or Peacock exclusively. There is a "Star-Spangled Sunday" showcase on July 5 where every single MLB game will be presented nationally to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country.
The Royals will be playing the Philadelphia Phillies during that stretch.
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How to get ready for the season
Since you can't watch a game today, the best thing you can do is check your ticket eligibility. If you’re a season ticket holder or part of the "Current Club," today is your day to secure seats for those cross-town matchups and big summer holidays.
- Check the Surprise Stadium website if you want spring training tickets; individual sales started back in December, but there are usually still lawn seats available for the February 20 opener.
- Review the balanced schedule. Remember, the Royals play all 29 other teams now. You won't just be seeing the White Sox and Tigers over and over again. They have a big series against the Mets in New York this July that is already trending as a high-demand ticket.
- Keep an eye on the World Baseball Classic roster. Seeing which Royals players represent their home countries is going to be the main highlight of early February before the MLB season even kicks off.
Basically, the Royals are "playing" the long game today. No bats, no balls, just logistics and training. But February 20 will be here before you know it.
To stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, you should verify your MLB.tv subscription status before the February 20th spring training opener to ensure you don't miss the first broadcast from Surprise Stadium.