So, it’s 2026. You just want to sit down with a cold drink and watch the Yankees. Simple, right? Well, if you’ve tried to find the game lately, you know it’s anything but simple. Gone are the days when you just flipped to channel 11 or even just left it on YES Network all summer.
The 2026 season has turned into a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Honestly, it’s a mess of apps, blackouts, and surprise national windows. Between the new Netflix deal, the return of NBC, and the usual regional headaches, you basically need a spreadsheet to keep track. But don't worry. I’ve spent way too much time digging through the carriage disputes and streaming schedules so you don't have to.
Where to Watch the Yankees if You Live in New York
If you’re local—meaning you’re in the New York market, Connecticut, or parts of Jersey and PA—your life revolves around the YES Network. This hasn't changed, but how you get it might have.
The biggest news for 2026? The drama with Comcast is finally over. They reached a deal back in January that keeps YES on the "expanded basic" tier. Huge relief. If you have Xfinity, Spectrum, or Optimum, you’re mostly set for the bulk of the 162-game grind.
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But let's say you're a cord-cutter. You have two real paths now:
- The Gotham Sports App: This is the big one. It launched late in '24 and it's basically the "all-in-one" for NY sports. It bundles YES and MSG. It’s about $24.99 a month if you just want YES, but the bundle is better if you follow the Rangers or Knicks too.
- DirectTV Stream or Fubo: These are the only major "cable-replacement" streamers that actually carry YES. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are still out in the cold. If you’re paying $80+ a month for a digital TV package, make sure it’s one of the two that actually has the pinstripes.
The Streaming Chaos: Netflix, Amazon, and NBC
This is where it gets annoying. Even if you pay for YES, you’re going to miss games. It’s just the way MLB is doing business now.
Netflix is the new player. For the first time, the Yankees opened their season against the Giants on Netflix. They also have the Home Run Derby. If there's a "special event" game on a Tuesday or Thursday, check Netflix. It's weird seeing the red logo during a baseball broadcast, but that’s 2026 for you.
Amazon Prime Video still has its Friday night-ish package. Usually, it's about 20-21 games a year. These are exclusive. If you have YES but not Prime, you’re staring at a black screen on those nights. The silver lining? The Amazon broadcast uses the YES crew—Michael Kay, David Cone, and Paul O'Neill—so at least it sounds right.
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NBC and Peacock are back. This is a big shift from the old ESPN-heavy days. NBC picked up a chunk of the Sunday Night Baseball rights. The Yankees are scheduled for at least three major appearances here in 2026, including a big July 5th matchup against Minnesota. If it’s on NBC, it’s usually also on Peacock.
Watching From Outside New York
If you live in, say, Florida or California, things are actually easier. You just buy MLB.TV.
It’s the best way to see the 60-ish games David Cone is calling this year on YES without dealing with regional cable. However, the "national" games I mentioned above? They’ll still be blacked out on MLB.TV. You’ll need Netflix for the Netflix games, Prime for the Prime games, and so on.
Pro Tip: If the game is on ESPN, FOX, or TBS, it won't be on MLB.TV live. You’ll have to wait 90 minutes after the final out to watch the replay.
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The 2026 Broadcast Schedule Breakdown
Here is the "cheat sheet" for where the games are actually landing this year:
- YES Network: Most regular-season games (approx. 125-130 games).
- Amazon Prime: Most Friday night games (roughly 20 games).
- FOX/FS1: Saturday national windows.
- NBC/Peacock: Sunday night exclusives (replacing several ESPN slots).
- Netflix: Opening Day and select "event" games.
- Apple TV+: Still has the Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders, though the Yankees only pop up here a couple of times a year now.
The rotation in the booth has tightened up too. David Cone is doing way more YES games now that he’s finished with ESPN. You’ll see a lot of Joe Girardi and Paul O'Neill too. It’s a solid crew, arguably the best in the league, which makes the hunt for the right app worth the effort.
What to Do Right Now
Stop guessing and do these three things before the next series:
- Check your zip code on the MLB Blackout tool. Even if you think you're "out of market," some weird parts of Pennsylvania or North Carolina are technically in the Yankees' territory, which will ruin your MLB.TV experience.
- Download the Gotham Sports App. Even if you don't subscribe, it’s the most reliable place to see the actual "Today's Game" broadcast schedule without wading through junk news sites.
- Audit your subs. If you're paying for Hulu + Live TV specifically for the Yankees, cancel it. Switch to Fubo or DirecTV Stream. You're literally paying for a service that doesn't have your team.
The 2026 season is long. Don't get caught 10 minutes before first pitch trying to remember your Amazon password while the game is already in the second inning. Update your apps now. High heat is coming.