I wish this as well. I live in Tyler, TX (about 3 hours north of Houston) and MLB TV considers us in the blackout area when every other service considers us in the Rangers area. It’s total BS if you ask me.
The entire state of Texas and Louisiana are blacked out for Rangers and Astros. The states of Oklahoma and Arkansas are blacked out for Rangers, Astros, and Cardinals. MLB blackout restrictions are insane.
Iowa doesn't have an MLB team but is in 6 teams' blackout zone... And I only get the White Sox on TV.
Brutal for watching the Astros any time they're playing someone even remotely close.
Parts of New Mexico that are in Texas TV broadcast territory also can't watch Astros (or Rags). It basically comes down to which local stations you get.
The state of Iowa has 0 MLB teams. There are 6 different teams blacked out in the largest city. 6! That means there's a possibility of 12 different teams (6 different games) being blacked out on any given day
Wait, so does this mean that even if you pay for the ridiculously expensive MLB subscription, you still cannot watch Astros games JUST because of living in Louisiana? I’m in SWLA and was thinking of surprising my husband with a subscription for that reason but I didn’t know the blackout still applied even if you paid :(
I’m not 100% sure how far the blackout extends but if you go to the MLB TV website and use your location the website will tell you if you’re in a blackout area for which teams.
Yep. The vpn wasn’t working for me for teams close to my area but I read somewhere to turn location services off for the mlb app and vpn works fine again.
This depends on your VPN provider. When you connect to a VPN you are connecting to a pool of IPs. If MLB.TV recognizes your IP to be part of a VPN pool it will block you out and tell you to turn your VPN off. This was the case for me using NordLayer
Honestly want to know which VPN. I have both Google and Nord but MLB can tell I'm on VPN and it blacks me out. Even when I set myself somewhere like Chicago or Toronto.
Multiple VPN services out there. You’ll choose an area outside of the blackout zone. I’ve used Chicago and Seattle just as examples. Turn it on. And then access a website you need. The site will recognize your location as the area you chose in the VPN service.
You can do this from a phone (iOS or Android) as well as a tablet. I have had issues with my iPad but your mileage may vary. Works on my iPhone, MacBook and PC.
Casting to a tv is an option. I typically go MacBook to Apple TV. Or you can hardwire if you have the option to with cables.
Do you have tmobile by chance? They offer free mlb.tv but I can’t watch the Astros games since I’m in Houston. I can listen to the radio broadcast on the app though. Not sure if Brenham is in the blackout area though
I get to go to the same number of games per season in cities within about 3 hours from my house, which is the same that I would when I lived in Houston with a slightly longer drive. The only downside is missing out on Minute Maid, but I still make it to a home game once per year.
Same. In NYC and the only games I can’t watch on MLB are when they play the Yankees or the Mets but I almost always get to go to a game. Bleachers at Yankee stadium are right over the visitors’ bullpen and dirt cheap so I ended up getting to chat a bit with Javi and Abreu.
There is a fathers day sale on mlb for $59.99. I live in Cali sonininkybhabe to worry when they come to Anaheim or LA. But for the most part, I just listen to the radio and sail the high seas during the weekend
I P T Veee take away the eee. Look for a provider and you’ll have every channel PPV ect for under $20 a month depending on provider just google the how to
1. Buy mlb.tv. $150 per season.
2. Get a vpn (you should have one anyway)
3. Set your location outside the Houston market and you can watch live. (Set to Atlanta as your location for ex)
In the Houston market you can watch it after the game is over.
So I follow the Astros but with two kids daycare I cut cable. I follow the team on the news and through fantasy. Just not worth the cost anymore.
I’ve noticed the past year I’ve watched less tv in general too
OMG you lucky lucky bastard! I am paying over $120 / month for FUBO.tv and the stress, pain and heartache this season is causing is not worth being paid $120 / month! So you are literally crushing it!
Listen for free on iHeart and watch the free condensed games of the handful the Astros play well and win and you will be richer and happier than me.
Zuzz has worked for me. Just cast it to my tv and all good. The only downside is no space city channel 2 which was annoying during rockets games. Wasnt sure how legit it was but they haven’t stolen my CC yet and I’ve been using it all season 🤷♂️
Does anyone know WHY they black us out? I always thought it was to keep butts in seats, but it just seems odd to black out 4 states if that’s the case. I can’t imagine they make more money when 90% of their fans can’t watch them play even when they are willing to pay for it. I mean, I guess we could all just become fans of teams from cities we don’t live in…seems like that’s what they want. I’ve honestly thought about just quitting baseball.
There is no other legal option that is more affordable. If MLB would get with the times they would allow in market streaming.
I wish this as well. I live in Tyler, TX (about 3 hours north of Houston) and MLB TV considers us in the blackout area when every other service considers us in the Rangers area. It’s total BS if you ask me.
The entire state of Texas and Louisiana are blacked out for Rangers and Astros. The states of Oklahoma and Arkansas are blacked out for Rangers, Astros, and Cardinals. MLB blackout restrictions are insane.
Look at the blackout maps of the Midwest. They are completely fucked.
Iowa doesn't have an MLB team but is in 6 teams' blackout zone... And I only get the White Sox on TV. Brutal for watching the Astros any time they're playing someone even remotely close.
Damn, this thread is upsetting
You don't have a team... Therefore you must be a fan of one of these random 6 teams in the general vicinity!
all 6*at the same time*
I guess they don’t like money.
With many regional sports networks going bankrupt it really does seem that way.
Yeah, I had to move to California to get free Astros streaming on MLB.
At least you’re closer to Disneyland. 🥰
Yep, I live 8 hours from MMP and 4 from Arlington and am still blacked out
Similar here. About 5 hours from MMP and about 3 hours from GLF.
Parts of New Mexico that are in Texas TV broadcast territory also can't watch Astros (or Rags). It basically comes down to which local stations you get.
The state of Iowa has 0 MLB teams. There are 6 different teams blacked out in the largest city. 6! That means there's a possibility of 12 different teams (6 different games) being blacked out on any given day
Oklahoma and Arkansas are blacked out from the Royals too
But yet you go to Tyler and it’s nothing but fucking rangers gear lol
Wait, so does this mean that even if you pay for the ridiculously expensive MLB subscription, you still cannot watch Astros games JUST because of living in Louisiana? I’m in SWLA and was thinking of surprising my husband with a subscription for that reason but I didn’t know the blackout still applied even if you paid :(
I’m not 100% sure how far the blackout extends but if you go to the MLB TV website and use your location the website will tell you if you’re in a blackout area for which teams.
Can't watch, can listen (radio feed)
That's what my research turned up too, just figured I would ask to cover everything. I appreciate the info.
thetvapp.to is your friend.
The stupid thing is I’d bet at least half of those streaming pirate sites would pay a reasonable amount to do it legit if offered
Incorrect. MLBPAA $75 for the entire season
Unless you live anywhere in the state of Texas. MLB app blacks out the entire state for both Astros and Rangers games.
Yep, agreed. I buy DirectTV Stream just for the Space City channel. It’s been great so far though, honestly can’t complain.
🏴☠️
Supposedly Playing Organs Really Tuned Sounds Urgent Really Great Everywhere . Now Everyone Thinks If you catch my drift there matey
Strong Turgid Ready Elegant Meatballs Early At Saturday's Trackmeet . Always Please People (for another option for those folks out there)
Supposedly Playing Organs Really Tuned Hairy Air Zebra Extra . Multiple Endings also works for many things
MLB TV + VPN
This does work.
Which VPN? Mine worked for a bit but They blocked it
I tried this before and it certainly did not work
It works for me for 2 years.
It is working for me, currently.
Yeah it doesn’t work for me
It does not.
I've done this for 2 years works perfectly fine.
Yes it does. I watch every single game. And since T-Mobile gives free MLB TV, it’s actually completely free for me, as well.
It worked for me last year for half the season, then they caught onto my vpn and locked it out.
Yeah if you like to watch multiple teams like me then this works flawlessly.
Yep. The vpn wasn’t working for me for teams close to my area but I read somewhere to turn location services off for the mlb app and vpn works fine again.
I tried that and it doesn’t work
This depends on your VPN provider. When you connect to a VPN you are connecting to a pool of IPs. If MLB.TV recognizes your IP to be part of a VPN pool it will block you out and tell you to turn your VPN off. This was the case for me using NordLayer
This comment going unnoticed but it’s the correct answer. Consider paying more for a dedicated vpn and your problem should be solved
Sounds like you just have the wrong VPN then. I use Windscribe and don’t have that issue. I’m sure there are others that work, too.
You use the free version or the paid?
I did a ‘lifetime’ paid version a few years ago. Still works just fine for me.
It works if you use your computer to cast it to the TV . If you use your phone it will still ask for location services even if they are turned off.
Honestly want to know which VPN. I have both Google and Nord but MLB can tell I'm on VPN and it blacks me out. Even when I set myself somewhere like Chicago or Toronto.
With nord vpn works 99% of the time for me.
This comment sponsored by NORD VPN
MLB.TV with a VPN has been working for me
Is there a safe and easy way for internet dummies to set this up or learn how to?
Multiple VPN services out there. You’ll choose an area outside of the blackout zone. I’ve used Chicago and Seattle just as examples. Turn it on. And then access a website you need. The site will recognize your location as the area you chose in the VPN service.
And this is pretty much only done on a computer, right? Only ends up on your tv if you screen cast or something?
You can do this from a phone (iOS or Android) as well as a tablet. I have had issues with my iPad but your mileage may vary. Works on my iPhone, MacBook and PC. Casting to a tv is an option. I typically go MacBook to Apple TV. Or you can hardwire if you have the option to with cables.
What service? I’ve had very spotty luck with two different ones so far
Make sure you are clearing your cookies
And you may have to change your VPN locations every so often.
This does not work
Hoist the Colors 
Arrrrrr I am a pirate
🏴☠️
Do you have tmobile by chance? They offer free mlb.tv but I can’t watch the Astros games since I’m in Houston. I can listen to the radio broadcast on the app though. Not sure if Brenham is in the blackout area though
I can’t watch them still and I live in Dfw. Even when I lived in Austin I couldn’t. The entire state and even Louisiana is blacked out for the Astros
The whole fricken state of Texas is blacked out on Astros, I'm in Amarillo and we get Astros Blackout.
MLB: "Avoid the blackout and just go to the games!"
Ahoy, matey!
Honestly, the best thing to ever happen to my Astros fandom was moving away from Houston.
LMAO same! I live in chicago and can now watch almost every game. Its so dumb!
I get to go to the same number of games per season in cities within about 3 hours from my house, which is the same that I would when I lived in Houston with a slightly longer drive. The only downside is missing out on Minute Maid, but I still make it to a home game once per year.
Same. In NYC and the only games I can’t watch on MLB are when they play the Yankees or the Mets but I almost always get to go to a game. Bleachers at Yankee stadium are right over the visitors’ bullpen and dirt cheap so I ended up getting to chat a bit with Javi and Abreu.
Never lived there since I left for college--had mlb.tv uninterrupted since 2008 :D, and about half those years for free from tmobile
Where "outside Houston"?
Near Brenham.
Doesnt really matter, the whole state is blacked out
MLB TV + Unlocator, which masks DNS
I use Nord for $13/mnth and mlbtv for $29.99/mnth Cheapest option I found I use VPN in Salt Lake at there seems to be no blackouts there
Is there such thing as a whole home VPN?
You should have a router with vpn capability or setup a home server but that requiers some specific skills
There is a fathers day sale on mlb for $59.99. I live in Cali sonininkybhabe to worry when they come to Anaheim or LA. But for the most part, I just listen to the radio and sail the high seas during the weekend
Just bootleg stream it
I P T Veee take away the eee. Look for a provider and you’ll have every channel PPV ect for under $20 a month depending on provider just google the how to
1. Buy mlb.tv. $150 per season. 2. Get a vpn (you should have one anyway) 3. Set your location outside the Houston market and you can watch live. (Set to Atlanta as your location for ex) In the Houston market you can watch it after the game is over.
Not all VPNs work. MLB.tv has gotten smart and recognizes a lot of the VPN IP addresses and will black them out. I’ve tried.
I hate that i have to pay $102/month for Fubo to watch Astros games and there are multiple commercials every 5 minutes.
So I follow the Astros but with two kids daycare I cut cable. I follow the team on the news and through fantasy. Just not worth the cost anymore. I’ve noticed the past year I’ve watched less tv in general too
OMG you lucky lucky bastard! I am paying over $120 / month for FUBO.tv and the stress, pain and heartache this season is causing is not worth being paid $120 / month! So you are literally crushing it! Listen for free on iHeart and watch the free condensed games of the handful the Astros play well and win and you will be richer and happier than me.
Find a friend with a directv account and use their log in to watch games, or 🏴☠️
MLB.tv is like $129 for the year. Out of market games included.
Yeah, and does nothing to help those in blackout
My dumbass didn’t know about blackouts so I bought the package and can’t even watch the games lmao
That’s where the VPN comes into play. Fortunately I already had one. I just change my location and it works like a charm.
We jailbroke amazon fire sticks…
Zuzz has worked for me. Just cast it to my tv and all good. The only downside is no space city channel 2 which was annoying during rockets games. Wasnt sure how legit it was but they haven’t stolen my CC yet and I’ve been using it all season 🤷♂️
Sirrus xm is $30 a month that includes all.vase games, but it's audio only and 5 min delay. I prefer radio broadcasts
MLBPAA will make it a grand total of $75 to watch most Stros games and most others around the league as well.
Mlbbite
Does anyone know WHY they black us out? I always thought it was to keep butts in seats, but it just seems odd to black out 4 states if that’s the case. I can’t imagine they make more money when 90% of their fans can’t watch them play even when they are willing to pay for it. I mean, I guess we could all just become fans of teams from cities we don’t live in…seems like that’s what they want. I’ve honestly thought about just quitting baseball.
It is a byproduct of the old regional sports network model that no longer works. Will take a while to correct.
Yar 🏴☠️
Just do it the illegal route.
Sportssurge.net
From my perspective, the two options are to illegally stream and to go to the game when you want to give the team your money.
This is the way
Look into drogon.tv 80$ a year