The 2026 MLB regular season officially begins with a historic Opening Night on Wednesday, March 25, featuring the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants streaming exclusively on Netflix at 8:05 p.m. ET. This standalone primetime event is followed by a massive 11-game traditional Opening Day slate on Thursday, March 26, the earliest start date in Major League history. Fans can catch the action across an expanded broadcast landscape including the return of MLB to NBC and Peacock, alongside staples like FOX, FS1, and TBS. Below, you can find the national TV windows, Opening Week matchups, and the debut of the new ABS Challenge System.
2026 MLB Opening Week: Full 15-Game Schedule
The 2026 MLB season officially kicks off with a three-day “Opening Week” rollout.
Opening Night: Wednesday, March 25
The historic debut of MLB on Netflix.
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Streaming |
| New York Yankees @ San Francisco Giants | 8:05 PM | Netflix Exclusive |
Traditional Opening Day: Thursday, March 26
An 11-game slate featuring the return of MLB to NBC and Peacock.
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Streaming |
| Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets | 1:15 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Chicago White Sox @ Milwaukee Brewers | 2:10 PM | RSNs |
| Washington Nationals @ Chicago Cubs | 2:20 PM | RSNs |
| Minnesota Twins @ Baltimore Orioles | 3:05 PM | RSNs |
| Boston Red Sox @ Cincinnati Reds | 4:10 PM | RSNs |
| L.A. Angels @ Houston Astros | 4:10 PM | RSNs |
| Detroit Tigers @ San Diego Padres | 4:10 PM | RSNs |
| Tampa Bay Rays @ St. Louis Cardinals | 4:15 PM | RSNs |
| Texas Rangers @ Philadelphia Phillies | 4:15 PM | ESPN App (Game of Day) |
| Arizona Diamondbacks @ L.A. Dodgers | 8:30 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Cleveland Guardians @ Seattle Mariners | 10:10 PM | RSNs |
Opening Week Continues: Friday, March 27
The final six teams make their season debuts.
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Streaming |
| Oakland Athletics @ Toronto Blue Jays | 7:07 PM | RSNs |
| Colorado Rockies @ Miami Marlins | 7:10 PM | RSNs |
| Kansas City Royals @ Atlanta Braves | 7:15 PM | RSNs |
2026 MLB Resources & Quick Links
Looking for a specific team schedule or curious about the road to the Fall Classic? Use our quick-access links to navigate the 2026 season:
- 2026 MLB Team Schedules: Find the complete 162-game schedule for all 30 teams, from the Yankees to the Dodgers.
- 2026 MLB Playoff Bracket & Schedule: Tracking the road to October? See the Wild Card dates (starting Sept. 29) and the full postseason path.
- MLB Divisions & 2026 Alignment: A complete breakdown of the American and National League divisions, including the latest on the A’s temporary home in West Sacramento.
2026 MLB Schedule: Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 MLB Postseason begin?
The 2026 MLB Postseason is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with the Wild Card Series. The World Series is expected to start on October 23, 2026.
How many games are in the 2026 MLB regular season?
Each team will play a full 162-game schedule. The season concludes on Sunday, September 27, with all 30 teams in action during a simultaneous afternoon window (3:00 p.m. ET).
What are the “Signature Games” in 2026?
MLB has several marquee events scheduled for 2026:
- Mexico City Series: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres (April 25–26).
- Field of Dreams Game: Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies (August 13).
- Little League Classic: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves (August 23).
Where is the Athletics franchise playing in 2026?
The Athletics are playing the 2026 season at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California. However, they will also host two special “home” series at Las Vegas Ballpark in June against the Brewers and Rockies.
Why are there so many Peacock and Netflix games in 2026?
MLB has expanded its streaming partnerships to reach younger audiences. Netflix now holds exclusive rights to “Opening Night” and the “Field of Dreams” game, while Peacock has expanded its “Sunday Leadoff” package to include doubleheaders and a special “Star-Spangled Sunday” on July 5.
