Checking the calendar and seeing a series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates usually means one thing: NL Central chaos. These two teams have a certain "grind it out" energy that makes for great TV, but finding exactly where that TV broadcast is hiding in 2026? Honestly, it’s become a bit of a moving target.
The regional sports network (RSN) landscape has basically been in a blender for the last few years. If you’re trying to catch the Reds and Pirates squaring off, you aren't just looking for a channel number anymore; you’re navigating a map of streaming rights, local blackouts, and brand-new national partnerships.
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The Great 2026 TV Shakeup
Here is the deal: The way we watch the Reds has changed dramatically. Just this week, news broke that the Reds—along with several other teams like the Cardinals and Braves—officially moved away from the FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports).
For 2026, Major League Baseball (MLB) is stepping in to produce and distribute Reds games directly. This is actually a huge win for most fans. It means you can finally ditch the "I don't have that specific cable tier" headache and likely go straight to an MLB.tv "Reds-only" package without the old-school blackout restrictions that used to ruin Friday nights.
Where to Watch Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Local Broadcasts
If you are in the Cincinnati or Pittsburgh local markets, your options look a little different depending on which side of the rivalry you’re on.
For the Cincinnati View:
Because the Reds have shifted their rights back to MLB, you’re looking for a new "local" channel produced by the league. This is typically available through:
- MLB.tv (Local Pass): A direct-to-consumer streaming option where you can watch every Reds game without needing a cable provider.
- Fubo & DIRECTV STREAM: These services usually carry the league-produced local channels.
- Spectrum & Local Cable: They typically pick up the new MLB-produced feed on a dedicated channel.
For the Pittsburgh View:
The Pirates have stayed a bit more traditional. You’ll find the majority of their games on SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP). If you’re a cord-cutter in the Steel City, you’ve basically got two choices:
- SNP 360: This is the Pirates' own streaming app. You can buy it standalone for about $17.99 a month.
- Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM: These remain the only "Live TV" streaming services that carry SportsNet Pittsburgh.
The National TV Schedule
Sometimes, the Reds and Pirates get the "Big Stage" treatment. When a game moves to a national network, it won't be on your local channel.
In 2026, NBC and Peacock have made a massive comeback in the baseball world. In fact, the Pirates opened their season on NBC against the Mets. For the Reds-Pirates matchups, keep a close eye on Sunday Night Baseball, which has moved over to NBC and Peacock this season.
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There's also the MLB Sunday Leadoff window on Peacock, which usually features an early afternoon game. If the Reds and Pirates are playing on a Sunday, check Peacock first. Honestly, it’s sort of annoying to need another subscription, but the production quality on those NBC games is usually top-tier.
Streaming Without Cable: The Best Options
If you’ve completely cut the cord, you’re not out of luck.
MLB.tv is still the gold standard, especially for "out-of-market" fans. If you live in Florida but bleed Cincinnati red, MLB.tv gets you every game. Just remember that if you live in the team's territory, you need the specific "Local" version of the app that MLB has launched to replace the old RSNs.
Apple TV+ still has their "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheaders. They haven't announced the full second-half schedule yet, but the Reds have been a frequent guest because of their high-energy young roster.
Key Matchups to Circle
We already know the 2026 schedule is packed. The Pirates and Reds face off early and often.
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- The Early Series: They met at Great American Ball Park at the very end of March (March 30 - April 1).
- The May Swing: A crucial three-game set at PNC Park (May 1-3).
- The Summer Heat: Plenty of divisional matchups are peppered through July and August when the wild card race starts getting tight.
Radio: The Old School Way
Look, sometimes you're in the car or just want to sit on the porch with a beer.
- In Cincinnati: Tune into 700 WLW. Tommy Thrall and the crew are local legends for a reason.
- In Pittsburgh: It’s 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM). There is something about hearing a game at PNC Park over the radio that just feels right.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Don't wait until first pitch to figure this out. The "Blackout" messages are the worst way to start a game.
- Check your Zip Code: Go to the MLB.tv blackout map and type in your zip. It will tell you exactly which teams are considered "local" for you.
- Verify the Reds Feed: Since the Reds moved to MLB-led distribution this year, check if your cable provider has added the new "Reds/MLB" channel.
- Get the SNP 360 App: If you're a Pirates fan in Pittsburgh and don't want a $90 cable bill, the $18 monthly app is your cheapest legal route.
- Peacock Check: Look at the Sunday schedule. If the game is on Peacock, it won't be on MLB.tv or your local cable channel.
The division is wide open this year. Whether you're watching Paul Skenes try to blow heaters past the Reds' lineup or Elly De La Cruz trying to turn a single into a triple, make sure you've got the right app open.