Dodgers Games Not On MLB.TV: Why And How To Watch

Hey baseball fanatics! Ever found yourself staring at your screen, ready to watch the Dodgers dominate, only to be met with a frustrating black-out message on MLB.TV? It's a common issue, and if you're anything like me, you've probably screamed at your screen a time or two. But why does this happen? Why can't you always watch your favorite team, the Dodgers, on MLB.TV? Let's dive into the reasons behind those pesky blackouts and explore ways to ensure you don't miss a single pitch of the Dodgers' thrilling games.

The Mystery of MLB.TV Blackouts

The main reason why you might find a Dodgers game blacked out on MLB.TV comes down to local and national broadcast rights. MLB has agreements with regional sports networks (RSNs) and national TV partners. These contracts grant these entities the exclusive rights to broadcast games within specific geographic areas. MLB.TV subscriptions are subject to these restrictions. If you're located within the Dodgers' home television territory, which includes most of California, you won't be able to stream the game on MLB.TV during the regular season. This is because the local RSN, Spectrum SportsNet LA, has exclusive broadcasting rights in that area. Think of it like this: MLB.TV has to respect the agreements that the teams and MLB have already made with TV companies to broadcast in certain areas. It's a complicated web of contracts and territories, but the bottom line is, if you're within the Dodgers' broadcast territory, you'll need to find another way to watch the game. Furthermore, national broadcasts on channels like ESPN, FOX, TBS, and FS1 can also cause MLB.TV blackouts, regardless of your location. So even if you're outside of California, a national game featuring the Dodgers might still be unavailable on MLB.TV. It’s super annoying, I know!

This is not a conspiracy, but more so a legal requirement. These blackouts are in place to protect the revenue streams of the teams and the television networks. They help to ensure that fans subscribe to local cable packages or regional sports networks to watch their favorite team, instead of solely relying on an out-of-market streaming service. It's about balancing the needs of local fans with the broader reach of MLB.TV. In short, without these agreements, local sports networks would be out of business, leaving everyone in a bad situation. This is a crucial element that many fans often overlook when questioning why their games are blacked out. The existence of these RSNs is the sole reason why a team can have some measure of financial stability, and be able to keep their best players on the roster. It's a complex economic ecosystem, and these blackouts are a necessary evil, to some extent.

So, what about postseason games? Well, the rules change a bit. MLB has exclusive broadcast agreements for playoff games, which means MLB.TV is often blacked out during these times. You'll likely need to watch playoff games on the national networks that have the broadcasting rights. The exact channels will depend on the specific playoff round and the teams involved. It's always a good idea to check the MLB schedule or your local listings to confirm the broadcast details.

How to Watch Dodgers Games When MLB.TV is Blacked Out

Okay, so you're in the Dodgers' market, and MLB.TV is a no-go. What are your options? Don't worry, there are several ways to catch the game. The most straightforward approach is to subscribe to Spectrum SportsNet LA. This is the Dodgers' primary broadcast home. If you have cable or a satellite package that includes Spectrum SportsNet LA, you're good to go. You can also stream the channel through various TV providers if you've cut the cord, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV. These services often include Spectrum SportsNet LA in their channel packages, allowing you to watch the Dodgers live on your devices.

Another option is to watch Dodgers games on national TV broadcasts. As mentioned earlier, games are often aired on ESPN, FOX, TBS, and FS1. These channels are usually available through your cable, satellite, or streaming service subscriptions. Checking the MLB schedule in advance will help you know when the Dodgers are scheduled for national TV games. This can be a great alternative, especially if you want to avoid paying for an extra RSN package. Also, in case you didn't know, MLB games are often available on free, over-the-air television. Many local channels will broadcast the games for free. It’s always worth checking your local listings to see if the Dodgers are playing on a local channel. This is the ultimate option for those who want to watch games without paying a dime. Remember, this can be different depending on your local market, so make sure to check your local channels’ schedules.

Now, let's talk about alternatives for those outside the Dodgers' home market, but still unable to watch on MLB.TV. The most common workaround is a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN can mask your location by routing your internet connection through a server in a different area. By connecting to a VPN server outside of the Dodgers' broadcast territory, you can potentially bypass the blackouts and stream games on MLB.TV. However, using a VPN to circumvent blackouts is against MLB.TV's terms of service, and it's not a guaranteed solution. MLB and MLB.TV are constantly updating their systems to detect and block VPN usage. Also, I am not suggesting that you do anything that is illegal, always make sure you're compliant with the terms of service of any product you're using. So, use a VPN at your own risk. Moreover, make sure that you do your research and use a reliable VPN provider if you decide to go this route.

Staying Updated on Dodgers Games

To ensure you don't miss a game, there are several tools you can use to stay in the loop. The MLB app is a great resource. It provides schedules, scores, news, and even live audio broadcasts of games, including those blacked out on MLB.TV. With the MLB app, you can follow the Dodgers wherever you are. Furthermore, follow the Dodgers on social media. The team's official accounts often provide updates on game schedules, broadcast information, and any last-minute changes. Checking their social media channels is a great way to stay informed, especially if there are any unexpected broadcast shifts. Also, there are many websites and apps dedicated to sports news and schedules. Websites like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and MLB.com provide comprehensive game schedules, TV listings, and real-time updates. You can also set up notifications on your phone to be alerted about game times and broadcast details. This way, you will be prepared and ready to watch your favorite team play. All of these resources are available to keep you informed about any changes. Moreover, setting up notifications on your phone is the ultimate way to get all the news first.

And finally, the last tip is to become a true fan and talk to other Dodgers fans. Talking to people, following them on social media, or even joining a local watch group can ensure you never miss any important information. You can use these groups to stay informed about game schedules and broadcast details. Many communities of fans will provide updates on how to watch games that are not available through traditional methods. This could include streaming options or other ways to watch the game. Joining a community of like-minded fans is also a great way to talk about the games you have watched. You can engage in discussions about your favorite players, memorable moments, and the team's performance. By being part of a community, you not only ensure that you don't miss any information, but you also enhance your enjoyment of the games. So, take advantage of the many options available for staying informed and connected with the Dodgers family.

In Conclusion

So, why isn't the Dodgers game on MLB.TV? It's usually due to local and national broadcast rights agreements. Don't let those blackouts get you down. With the right information and a few handy resources, you can always find a way to watch the Dodgers play. Whether it's subscribing to Spectrum SportsNet LA, tuning into national broadcasts, or using the MLB app, you can stay connected with your favorite team. Go Dodgers!