MLB Opening Day 2025: Schedule, How to Watch, and What to Expect

Early Start: The main Opening Day is Thursday, March 27, 2025, following an international series in Tokyo between the Cubs and Dodgers on March 18-19.

Packed Schedule: 26 teams begin their season on March 27. The Tampa Bay Rays vs. Colorado Rockies game is postponed to March 28 due to stadium preparations following Hurricane Milton damage.

Star Power Returns: Fans can look forward to seeing top players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, and newly situated stars like Juan Soto (Mets), Blake Snell (Dodgers), and Alex Bregman (Red Sox).

Broadcast Access: Games will air across ESPN, MLB Network, FOX, Apple TV+, The Roku Channel, and various Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).

Why this matters: Opening Day represents a fresh start for all 30 teams, a moment of peak optimism for fans, and the welcome return of baseball's daily rhythm after the offseason. It's the symbolic beginning of a six-month journey filled with potential.

National Broadcasts (March 27): Watch the Milwaukee Brewers visit the New York Yankees (3:05 p.m. ET) and the Detroit Tigers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (7:10 p.m. ET), both nationally televised on ESPN.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): Most other games will be available on local RSNs specific to each team's market.

Streaming:

MLB.TV: The primary option for watching out-of-market games. Subscriptions are available per team or for the entire league. (Note: T-Mobile often offers a free season subscription early in the season).

Live TV Streamers: Services like Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV carry channels like ESPN, MLB Network, FOX, and some RSNs.

ESPN+: Streams select games throughout the season, including the two national ESPN games on Opening Day.

Apple TV+: Home to exclusive "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheaders.

The Roku Channel: Will feature MLB's "Sunday Leadoff" games later in the season.

Q: When is MLB Opening Day 2025?

A: The main slate of games is on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The season officially began earlier with the Cubs vs. Dodgers series in Tokyo. The Rays vs. Rockies game will be played on Friday, March 28.

Q: How can I watch Opening Day games without cable?

A: Out-of-market games are available via MLB.TV. National games are on ESPN. Live TV streaming services (Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, etc.) offer access to ESPN, MLB Network, and potentially your local RSN. Check specific service channel lineups. ESPN+ will also stream the ESPN games.

Q: Which games are nationally televised on Opening Day (March 27)?

A: Milwaukee Brewers @ New York Yankees (3:05 p.m. ET) and Detroit Tigers @ Los Angeles Dodgers (7:10 p.m. ET) are both on ESPN.

Check Your Viewing Options: Determine where your favorite team's games will be broadcast (RSN, national TV, streaming) and ensure you have access.

Embrace the Moment: Enjoy the unique atmosphere and optimism that only Opening Day brings.

Prepare for the Season: Remember that Opening Day is just the beginning; settle in for six months of daily baseball action.

Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for promotions like T-Mobile's potential free MLB.TV offer.

Source 1: It's finally Opening Day! Here's why you should savor every second

Source 2: Bickley: Opening Day nostalgia is bigger than baseball

Source 3: How to watch MLB Opening Day 2025: full schedule, where to stream every game and more