YouTube TV does not carry Bally Sports regional channels
YouTube TV dropped Bally Sports channels in 2023 and has not added them back. If you want to watch your local baseball, basketball, or hockey team through YouTube TV, you will not find Bally Sports in the channel lineup. This affects viewers in markets where Bally Sports holds the broadcast rights — primarily the Midwest, South, and parts of the West.
The removal happened because YouTube TV and Bally Sports could not reach a new carriage agreement. YouTube TV chose not to renew the contract, and Bally Sports has not returned to the service since. This is a real gap if your team's games air only on Bally Sports in your region.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV removed all Bally Sports channels in 2023 and they remain unavailable on that service.
- Bally Sports is now owned by Diamond Sports Group, which operates the channels through bankruptcy proceedings.
- Direct streaming through the Bally Sports app or website is the primary way to watch if your team is available in your market.
- Some games may also air on national broadcasts through ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, or NHL.TV depending on the sport and matchup.
- Cable and satellite providers like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, and DirecTV still carry Bally Sports in some regions.
How to watch Bally Sports games without YouTube TV
The Bally Sports app and website (ballysports.com) let you stream games directly if your cable or satellite provider carries Bally Sports. You log in with your provider credentials — the same username and password you use for your cable account. This works on phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
If you do not have a cable or satellite subscription, Bally Sports also offers a standalone streaming option in some markets. The cost and availability vary by region, so check the Bally Sports website for your specific team and area. Not all teams or markets have this option available yet.
You can also watch through national sports streaming services. ESPN+ carries some regional games, MLB.TV streams baseball games (with local blackout restrictions), NBA League Pass covers basketball, and NHL.TV covers hockey. The games available through these services depend on the sport, the specific matchup, and your location.
Which streaming services still carry Bally Sports
Cable and satellite providers remain the most reliable way to watch Bally Sports. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network all carry Bally Sports channels in markets where those channels operate. You can watch through the provider's app, website, or on your TV with a cable box.
Hulu + Live TV carries Bally Sports in some regions, though not all. Check your zip code on the Hulu website to see which channels are available in your area before you sign up. The channel lineup varies significantly by location.
Smaller streaming services like FuboTV and Sling TV carry some Bally Sports channels in certain markets, but coverage is limited and inconsistent. Your best bet is to search for your specific team and region on each service's website to confirm availability before paying for a subscription.
Why YouTube TV removed Bally Sports
YouTube TV and Bally Sports disagreed on the cost of carrying the channels. Bally Sports wanted higher fees, and YouTube TV decided the cost was not worth it for its subscribers. Rather than raise prices or cut other channels, YouTube TV chose to drop Bally Sports entirely.
This happened during a difficult period for Bally Sports itself. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and is now operated by Diamond Sports Group. The financial instability made negotiations harder, and YouTube TV was not willing to commit to a long-term deal with an uncertain future.
What to do if your team only broadcasts on Bally Sports
Check whether your team's games air on national broadcasts first. Many teams have some games on ESPN, Fox, or other national networks that are available through YouTube TV or other streaming services. The team's official website or your local sports listings will show which channel carries each game.
If most games are on Bally Sports, you have three main options: subscribe to a cable or satellite provider that carries Bally Sports, use the Bally Sports app if your provider offers it, or sign up for a streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or FuboTV that carries the channel in your region. Compare the cost and channel selection of each option before you decide.
Some viewers use a combination — YouTube TV for most channels, plus a separate Bally Sports subscription or cable login for regional games. This costs more than a single service, but it may be cheaper than switching your entire TV setup.
Regional blackout rules and Bally Sports
Bally Sports games are subject to local blackout rules, which means games may not be available to stream in certain areas even if you have a valid subscription. Blackouts exist to protect local broadcast partners and encourage in-person attendance. The rules vary by sport and league.
For baseball, MLB.TV has strict local blackouts — you cannot watch your home team's games on MLB.TV if you live in that team's market, even if you pay for the service. Hockey and basketball have similar restrictions. Check the specific rules for your sport and team before you buy a subscription.
Bally Sports itself does not have the same blackout restrictions as national streaming services, so if you can access Bally Sports through a cable login or standalone subscription, you may be able to watch games that are blacked out elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Bally Sports games on YouTube TV at all?
No. YouTube TV removed Bally Sports in 2023 and has not brought the channels back. If you need to watch Bally Sports, you will have to use a different service or provider.
Does Hulu + Live TV have Bally Sports?
Hulu + Live TV carries Bally Sports in some regions, but not all. Check your zip code on the Hulu website to see which channels are available where you live before you sign up.
Can I watch Bally Sports games without a cable subscription?
In some markets, yes — Bally Sports offers a standalone streaming option through its app and website. Availability varies by region and team. Check ballysports.com to see if your team is available in your area.
What if my team's games are blacked out on streaming services?
Blackouts are common on national streaming services like MLB.TV and NBA League Pass. Try the Bally Sports app with a cable login, or check whether the game airs on a national broadcast like ESPN or Fox, which may be available through YouTube TV or other services.
Is there a way to watch Bally Sports on Roku or Apple TV?
Yes. The Bally Sports app is available on Roku, Apple TV, and other streaming devices. You log in with your cable provider credentials or a standalone Bally Sports subscription if your market offers one.