MLB Announces 2026 Postseason Schedule and Broadcast Rights
The 2026 postseason begins 29 September with the Wild Card Series, culminating in a World Series that runs from 23 October, with specific game times and matchups yet to be finalised.
Major League Baseball has released the official schedule for the 2026 postseason, confirming that the playoffs will commence on Tuesday, 29 September with the Wild Card Series. The tournament will conclude with the World Series beginning on Friday, 23 October, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Saturday, 31 October if the series extends to its full length.
Twelve teams will qualify for the postseason, comprising six from the American League and six from the National League. The format grants first-round byes to the two highest-seeded division winners in each league. The remaining eight teams will compete in best-of-three Wild Card Series, with all matches hosted by the higher seed, before advancing to best-of-five Division Series and best-of-seven League Championship Series.
Broadcast rights for the 2026 playoffs are distributed across multiple networks, with NBC, FOX, FS1, and TBS sharing coverage duties. The entire World Series will air exclusively on FOX and will be available for streaming via FOX One. Additional streaming options include Peacock for NBC games, while FOX and FS1 content can also be accessed through FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App with an eligible TV provider login.
The availability of TBS games depends on the viewer’s specific television or streaming package. FOX and FS1 postseason coverage, including the National League Division Series, National League Championship Series, and the World Series, is accessible through FOX One.
MLB has noted that while the dates for each round are set, specific game times and network assignments for individual matchups remain tentative. Final details regarding FOX or FS1 assignments will be announced closer to the postseason, and the schedule is subject to change.
