Baseball is America’s pastime and there are many ways to watch games on Facebook. In the opening paragraphs, I’ll provide quick answers to key questions about watching baseball on Facebook.
Can I watch MLB games on Facebook?
Yes, since 2018 Major League Baseball (MLB) has streamed a weekly national MLB game for free on Facebook as part of an agreement between the two companies. The games are streamed live on Facebook Watch on official MLB pages.
What teams and games are streamed on Facebook Watch?
Facebook airs a weekly national MLB game on Friday nights. The matchups feature teams across the American League and National League. Some of the games that have been streamed include Red Sox vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. Cardinals, and Giants vs. Dodgers. The games are exclusive to Facebook in the United States.
How can I find MLB games on Facebook?
To find live MLB games on Facebook, go to the “Watch” tab and look for MLB games under “Live Videos”. You can also follow the MLB Facebook page and get notifications when games are about to start. Games will appear at the top of your news feed on desktop or mobile when live.
Can I watch MLB games on Facebook for free?
Yes, watching MLB games on Facebook is completely free. You don’t need a cable subscription or Facebook subscription. As long as you have internet access and a Facebook account, you can stream weekly national MLB matchups at no cost on Facebook Watch.
What devices can I use to watch baseball on Facebook?
You can watch MLB games on Facebook across devices:
- Desktop computer – Watch at facebook.com in your browser
- Phone and tablet – Use the Facebook app for iOS or Android
- Smart TV – Stream through some smart TVs with the Facebook Video app
As long as you have the Facebook app or can access Facebook in a browser, you can watch baseball games.
Can I watch games after they air live?
Unfortunately, MLB games are only available live on Facebook and are not made available for replay after they air. So you need to watch games live as they happen or find replay footage on other platforms.
Are there blackout restrictions on MLB games on Facebook?
MLB has blackout rules that restrict games from being viewable in certain regions on Facebook Watch. If you are in the local TV territory of the two teams playing, the game will be blacked out for you. Only out-of-market fans can view the games nationwide.
Can I watch minor league and college baseball?
At this time, only MLB games are available on Facebook Watch. Games from other leagues like Minor League Baseball, college baseball, international leagues have not been streamed on the platform yet.
Can I watch baseball games in VR?
In 2018, Facebook streamed 25 MLB games in VR through Facebook’s Oculus Venues app. However, MLB VR broadcasts were discontinued in 2019. Currently there is no option to watch MLB games in virtual reality on Oculus headsets.
How to Watch Other Baseball Content on Facebook
In addition to live MLB games, there are other baseball-related videos and content you can view on Facebook:
- Team pages – Follow official team pages for highlights, analysis and behind-the-scenes content.
- Player profiles – Top players have Facebook profiles with highlights and interviews.
- MLB page – Find league news, stories and official MLB videos.
- Classic game replays – Old games are sometimes re-aired in offseasons.
- News channels – Media outlets post baseball clips and coverage.
Tips for Watching Baseball on Facebook
Here are some tips to get the best experience streaming live baseball on Facebook Watch:
- Get notifications – Click “Interested” on game posts so you’re alerted at start time.
- Hardwire internet – Connect TV or computer directly to modem for fastest speeds.
- Close other tabs – Only have Facebook open to maximize video performance.
- Maximize video – Enter fullscreen for largest viewing size.
- Adjust quality – Bump video quality down if experience buffering.
- Use headphones – Audio enhances overall broadcast.
Pros of Watching Baseball on Facebook
Here are some of the major benefits of watching MLB games on Facebook Watch:
- It’s free – No subscriptions needed unlike cable, streaming services.
- Accessible – Available on mobile, desktop, internet-connected TVs.
- Live streams – Games air in real-time just like traditional TV.
- National reach – Out-of-market fans nationwide can watch marquee matchups.
Cons of Watching Baseball on Facebook
And here are some drawbacks to keep in mind with streaming baseball on Facebook:
- Limited games – Only one game streamed per week.
- Not available on TV apps – Must watch in browser or mobile app.
- Restricted by blackouts – Local fans may be subject to blackout rules.
- Not on-demand – Games only available live and not for replay later.
The Future of Baseball on Facebook
Facebook has expanded sports streaming capabilities in recent years. Here is what could be next for baseball content on the platform:
- More weekly games – Increase from just one game on Fridays.
- Playoff and World Series – Facebook could look to air postseason games down the road.
- Other leagues – Minor League Baseball, international leagues come to Facebook.
- VR support – Live games return in virtual reality format.
Conclusion
Facebook provides a great option for baseball fans to watch live MLB action each week during the season. The platform airs a different exclusive national game every Friday night for free. Just go to Facebook Watch to find and stream the matchups. While there are some limitations like blackouts, the ability to watch high-quality MLB games at no cost makes Facebook a fantastic destination for baseball.