How to Watch MLB Home Run Derby Without Cable in 2026

If you want to watch the MLB Home Run Derby without cable in 2026, you have several solid options — all centered on ESPN, which broadcasts the event exclusively. No cable box required: every major live TV streaming service carries ESPN, and some of the cheapest plans get you in for $40 a month.

Below you'll find the fastest path to stream the Derby tonight, a breakdown of each service, and what to do if you only care about this one event.

How to Watch MLB Home Run Derby Without Cable: Quick Answer

Here's the fastest breakdown by viewer type:

• Best overall: YouTube TV ($72.99/mo) — ESPN + unlimited DVR, free trial available
• Cheapest option: Sling TV Orange ($40/mo) — ESPN access, no free trial but lowest price
• Best bundle value: Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/mo) — ESPN + ESPN+ + Disney+, trial available
• Best for sports households: FuboTV (from $79.99/mo) — ESPN + 250+ sports channels
• Best for complete ESPN access: DirecTV Stream ($64.99/mo) — ESPN + ESPN2 + ESPNU

What Channel Is the MLB Home Run Derby On in 2026?

The MLB Home Run Derby airs exclusively on ESPN. The event is held the night before the MLB All-Star Game, typically on a Monday in mid-July, and ESPN carries the full broadcast including the opening rounds and the final.

ESPN+ simulcasts the Derby alongside the linear broadcast, so any service that includes ESPN — or the Disney Bundle — gives you full access. There is no free over-the-air broadcast: you need either a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service that carries ESPN.

Cheapest Way to Watch the Home Run Derby Without Cable

If you're only here for the Home Run Derby (and maybe the All-Star Game the next night), Sling TV Orange is the most affordable entry point. You get ESPN at $40 a month — the lowest price among all the live TV streaming services that carry the channel.

Sling TV Orange — Best Budget Option ($40/mo)

Sling Orange gives you ESPN and ESPN2 for $40 a month. There's no free trial, but you can cancel any time — so you're only on the hook for one month if you sign up just for All-Star Week. You get 50 hours of cloud DVR, which is more than enough to record the Derby and the game.

Best Streaming Services for the MLB Home Run Derby 2026

For fans who want the Derby plus the All-Star Game, or who plan to follow the rest of the MLB season, here's how the major services stack up:

YouTube TV — Best All-Around Option ($72.99/mo)

YouTube TV is the best well-rounded pick for Derby night and beyond. You get ESPN, ESPN2, and your local ABC affiliate — all in one subscription with unlimited cloud DVR storage. The free trial lets you watch the Derby at no cost if you time your sign-up right, and you can cancel before the billing period ends.

Hulu + Live TV — Best for Entertainment Bundles ($82.99/mo)

Hulu + Live TV bundles ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC with Disney+ and ESPN+ in one subscription. The ESPN+ inclusion matters: it gives you access to the Derby simulcast and a deep library of MLB content. If you're a cord-cutter who already pays for Disney+ separately, consolidating into this bundle often makes financial sense.

FuboTV — Best for Sports-Heavy Households (from $79.99/mo)

FuboTV leads with ESPN, ESPN2, and over 250 sports channels across its plan tiers. Unlimited cloud DVR is included on the base plan. It's overkill if you only want the Home Run Derby, but if you're a multi-sport household that follows NFL, NBA, and college sports, FuboTV justifies the price across the year.

DirecTV Stream — Best for Complete ESPN Coverage (from $64.99/mo)

DirecTV Stream's Choice plan ($64.99/mo) includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and local ABC — the most complete ESPN package among the services on this list. It doesn't offer a free trial, but it's the only option here that includes ESPNU if you want coverage of the minor-league Home Run Derby or other All-Star week programming on that channel.

Watching the Home Run Derby on TV, Laptop, and Phone

Every service on this list has apps for iPhone, Android, iPad, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, and desktop browsers. You can stream the Derby on any screen you own without any special hardware.

If you want the best living-room experience and your TV doesn't have a built-in streaming platform, a 4K streaming stick is the simplest upgrade. Plug it into your HDMI port and you can run any of the services above, plus the ESPN app directly.

MLB Home Run Derby 2026: Streaming Service Comparison

MLB Home Run Derby 2026 FAQ

What channel is the MLB Home Run Derby on in 2026?

The Home Run Derby airs on ESPN. The event is simulcast on ESPN+ as well, so any service that includes ESPN — or the Disney Bundle with ESPN+ — will carry it.

When is the MLB Home Run Derby in 2026?

The Home Run Derby takes place the night before the MLB All-Star Game, traditionally held on a Monday in mid-July. Check MLB's official schedule for the confirmed date and start time as the event approaches.

Can I watch the Home Run Derby for free?

Yes, with a free trial. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both offer free trials. Sign up before the Derby, stream it free, and cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to keep the service.

Does Sling TV have the Home Run Derby?

Yes. Sling TV Orange includes ESPN, which broadcasts the Derby. At $40/mo, it's the cheapest way to stream the event without cable. There's no free trial, but you can cancel any time.

Is the Home Run Derby on ESPN+?

ESPN+ simulcasts the Derby alongside the main ESPN broadcast. You can access ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle through Hulu + Live TV, or subscribe to ESPN+ separately for $11.99/mo if you prefer a standalone streaming-only plan without live TV.

What's the best streaming service for MLB All-Star Week?

YouTube TV is the best all-around option for All-Star Week. You get ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC — which covers the Derby on Monday, the Futures Game, and the All-Star Game on Tuesday. Unlimited DVR means you can record everything even if you miss the live broadcast.