How to watch Chicago Cubs games live in 2024

The Chicago Cubs return this March with the 2024 MLB season. As viewers increasingly cut the cord on cable, in this article, we explore more flexible and cost-effective streaming alternatives. We evaluate them based on whether you can stream Chicago Cubs nationally broadcasted games, as well as in-market events, and provide a list of the best streaming services.

How to watch Chicago Cubs without cable in 2024?

There are two ways to stream Chicago Cubs games online. It all depends on whether you live in or outside of the Cubs market:

1. Live TV streaming service subscription. Many live TV streaming services, such as FuboTV, offer access to channels like FOX, FS1, and ESPN, which broadcast MLB games nationally. Plus, these services often include regional sports networks (RSNs), which allows you to watch Chicago Cubs in-market games on the team's designated RSN, Marquee Sports Network.
2. MLB.TV. This streaming service provides access to regular-season MLB games. However, note that it only lets you stream Chicago Cubs out-of-market games. If you live within the Chicago Cubs' RSN coverage area, the games will be blacked out on MLB.TV. To bypass these MLB.TV blackouts, you can use a VPN service.

Best streaming services to watch Chicago Cubs games in 2024

To provide you with the best cable alternatives for MLB, we've carefully analyzed various streaming services based on the national and in-market TV channels they offer. Let’s look at the top 3 streaming services to watch Chicago Cubs games online:

1. FuboTV – best streaming service for watching the Chicago Cubs

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FuboTV's Pro plan is the top choice for streaming Chicago Cubs games in the 2024 MLB season.

National Coverage. FuboTV lets you stream Chicago Cubs nationally broadcasted games, with 10 games offered on FOX and FS1 and 3 games offered on ESPN. Although TBS is not included – meaning you'll miss out on 3 games – you can get the MLB Network with an additional package.

Regional Coverage. FuboTV offers regional coverage as well, including the Cubs' regional sports network, the Marquee Sports Network, which will broadcast 155 games this season.

FuboTV’s Pro plan is available at $59.99/month and comes with a 7-day free trial. The additional packages that offer the MLB Network are Sports Lite at $9.99/month and Fubo Extra at $7.99/month.

In addition to baseball, FuboTV also offers a host of other sports, including NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, and more. To easily stream games on your TV, use the FuboTV app on a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Chromecast device.

2. DirectTV Stream – extensive streaming service for Chicago Cubs games

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DirectTV Stream is a good choice if you’re looking for a streaming service with an extensive list of channels.

National Coverage. DirectTV’s national coverage is thorough, with 10 games offered on FOX and FS1, 3 on TBS, and 3 on ESPN. However, to add the MLB Network to your lineup, you'll require an additional package.

Regional Coverage. You can watch Chicago Cubs in-market games via the Marquee Sports Network, which is set to broadcast 155 games this season.

Apart from sports, DirectTV Stream also offers over 25,000 shows and movies on top of unlimited DVR, which allows you to record games and watch them later. You can simultaneously stream on all compatible devices on your home network and use up to three streams while on the move. Device compatibility includes Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast for easy home viewing.

DirectTV doesn't limit itself to MLB. Enjoy wide-ranging sports content, including NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and MLS, plus majors in golf and tennis, college sports, and high-profile events like the Super Bowl, World Series, and Olympics.

DirectTV’s Entertainment package is their most affordable option, available at $79.99/month, and it comes with a 5-day free trial.

3. Hulu + Live TV – streaming service for Chicago Cubs out-of-market games

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Hulu + Live TV offers a decent variety of options for watching Chicago Cubs games during the 2024 MLB season.

National Coverage. Hulu + Live TV provides national coverage with 10 games broadcasted on FOX and FS1, 3 on TBS, and 3 on ESPN. However, it does not offer the MLB Network, which will limit your options.

Regional Coverage. The Cubs' regional sports network, Marquee Sports Network, is not available on Hulu + Live TV. This means that you won’t be able to watch Chicago Cubs in-market games.

Hulu + Live TV offers more than just live sports programs. It features over 80 live TV channels, an extensive library with more than 4600 movies and shows, the Disney+ content library, access to unlimited DVR at no additional cost, and a multi-screen viewing option.

Hulu + Live TV is compatible with Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Stick, Apple TV (4th Generation), Chromecast, Android TV, and other devices. Pricing starts at $76.99/month. The more expensive plan, offered at $89.99/month, allows ad-free streaming.

How to watch Chicago Cubs on MLB.TV

MLB.TV only shows out-of-market MLB games – games that are not available through your local regional sports networks. If you’re located within the Marquee Sports Network's coverage area, MLB.TV will not allow you to watch Chicago Cubs in-market games. This is meant to encourage local viewers to support their regional sports networks.

The Marquee Sports Network's coverage area includes Northern and Central Illinois, Iowa, Eastern and Central Nebraska, Northern, Western, and Central Indiana, Southwestern Michigan, and Southeastern Wisconsin. However, you can use a VPN to bypass MLB.TV blackouts and stream games from anywhere.

Final thoughts

Streaming services with live TV are becoming more popular than cable subscriptions, and baseball broadcasting is no exception. While there are several options for watching MLB games this season, not all of them cover all events.

To stream Chicago Cubs games online, we recommend FuboTV. It combines affordability with a library that covers both in-market and nationally broadcasted games. FuboTV also offers a 7-day free trial, so you can try it without commitment.