Catch Every Homer: How to Watch the Braves on YouTube TV
Want to catch every thrilling moment of Atlanta Braves baseball? Good news! You can absolutely watch the Braves on YouTube TV. The key is ensuring you have the right channels included in your subscription. Let’s break down precisely how to make that happen and answer all your burning questions about watching America’s pastime with YouTube TV.
Essential Channels for Braves Games on YouTube TV
The channels you need to watch the Braves on YouTube TV will vary based on the game. Nationally televised games will often air on channels included in the standard YouTube TV package. However, regional coverage often requires a specific regional sports network (RSN). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
National Broadcasts: Games shown on networks like ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, and TBS are typically included in the standard YouTube TV package. These are nationally televised games, often primetime matchups or games of the week.
Bally Sports South (formerly Fox Sports South): This is the crucial channel for most Braves games as it’s the regional sports network (RSN) that carries the majority of the team’s regular-season games in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeast. Availability depends on your location, though.
Bally Sports Southeast: Similar to Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Southeast also carries Braves games and may be necessary depending on your specific location within the Southeast.
MLB Network: While not essential for every game, MLB Network can occasionally broadcast Braves games, especially those with national appeal or out-of-market matchups. MLB Network is usually available as part of an add-on package.
Checking Channel Availability in Your Area
Before getting too excited, it’s absolutely vital to confirm that Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast are available in your specific location via YouTube TV. Here’s how:
- Visit the YouTube TV Website: Go to the YouTube TV website.
- Enter Your Zip Code: On the homepage, there’s usually a section to enter your zip code to check channel availability. Input your zip code and click “View Channels”.
- Review the Channel List: The resulting list will show you exactly which channels are available in your area with a YouTube TV subscription. Check specifically for Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast.
If these channels are listed, you’re in luck! You’ll be able to watch the majority of Braves games. If not, you might need to explore alternative streaming services that carry those channels, or consider a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
Subscribing to YouTube TV and Optimizing Your Viewing
Once you’ve confirmed channel availability, subscribing to YouTube TV is straightforward:
- Sign Up: Visit the YouTube TV website and sign up for a free trial (if available).
- Choose Your Plan: Select the base plan that includes the national channels.
- Add Optional Add-ons: If MLB Network is desired, consider adding it to your subscription for additional baseball coverage.
- Download the App: Download the YouTube TV app on your preferred devices (smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile phones, tablets, etc.).
- Start Watching! Tune in to the relevant channel when the Braves game is scheduled to begin.
To optimize your viewing experience:
- Record Games: Use YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR to record games you can’t watch live. You can then watch them at your convenience, even skipping commercials.
- Customize Your Library: Add the Braves to your library to easily find recorded games and upcoming broadcasts.
- Check Game Schedules: Regularly check the TV schedules on the YouTube TV guide to know when and where the Braves are playing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does YouTube TV carry Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast?
The availability of Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast on YouTube TV depends entirely on your location. You must enter your zip code on the YouTube TV website to confirm they are available in your area. If they are not, you will be unable to watch Braves games broadcast on those RSNs.
2. What other streaming services carry Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast?
Currently, finding streaming services that consistently carry Bally Sports RSNs can be challenging due to ongoing carriage disputes. DIRECTV STREAM is a notable option in many areas that does carry Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast. It’s essential to confirm this directly on the DIRECTV STREAM website by entering your zip code, as availability can change.
3. Can I watch Braves games on MLB.TV with YouTube TV?
MLB.TV is a separate subscription service that allows you to watch out-of-market games. This means if you live outside the Braves’ broadcast territory, MLB.TV can be a great option. However, games that are broadcast nationally or on Bally Sports South/Southeast in your local market will be blacked out on MLB.TV. YouTube TV and MLB.TV essentially work in tandem to cover different broadcasting scenarios.
4. What do I do if the Braves game is blacked out on YouTube TV?
If a game is blacked out on YouTube TV, it’s likely because it’s being broadcast nationally on ESPN, FOX, TBS, or MLB Network, which are already included in your YouTube TV subscription. Check your YouTube TV guide for these channels to find the game. Blackouts are also common on MLB.TV for local games.
5. Does the YouTube TV Sports Plus add-on help me watch more Braves games?
The Sports Plus add-on primarily adds channels like NFL RedZone, beIN SPORTS, and other niche sports channels. It does not typically include Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast. The primary benefit for Braves fans would be MLB Network, which may occasionally carry games.
6. How can I record Braves games on YouTube TV?
Recording games on YouTube TV is incredibly easy! Simply find the game in the YouTube TV guide and click the “+” icon to add it to your library. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR space, so you can record as many games as you want and watch them later.
7. Can I watch Braves games on my phone or tablet with YouTube TV?
Yes, you can! YouTube TV has dedicated apps for both iOS and Android devices. Simply download the app, log in with your YouTube TV credentials, and you can stream Braves games on your phone or tablet wherever you have an internet connection.
8. Is there a delay between the live game and the stream on YouTube TV?
Yes, there is typically a slight delay of anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute between the live game and the stream on YouTube TV (or any streaming service). This is due to the time it takes to encode and transmit the video signal over the internet.
9. Can I watch Braves Spring Training games on YouTube TV?
Coverage of Spring Training games can vary. Some games may be broadcast on MLB Network or the Bally Sports channels, so check your YouTube TV guide closer to Spring Training to see what’s available. Not all Spring Training games are televised.
10. How much does YouTube TV cost per month?
YouTube TV pricing is subject to change, but as of late 2024, the base plan typically costs around $72.99 per month. This price includes a wide variety of channels, including the national sports networks crucial for catching some Braves games. Adding the Sports Plus add-on will increase the monthly cost.
11. What internet speed do I need to stream Braves games on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV recommends a minimum internet speed of at least 3 Mbps for single-stream viewing and at least 7 Mbps for HD streaming. However, for the best experience, especially on larger screens, a speed of 25 Mbps or higher is recommended, particularly if you have multiple devices using the internet simultaneously.
12. Can I cancel my YouTube TV subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your YouTube TV subscription at any time. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing cycle.
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