Stream Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Games Live Online: Streaming Channels You Need

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Written by Frank Moraes - December 18, 2024 Senior Content Editor

I’ll explain how to watch all the regular season Pittsburgh Pirates games on TV. While the process can seem complicated at first, getting access is actually quite straightforward.

In a hurry? Depending on their location, Pirates fans can watch the vast majority of games on one or more of these services.

  • Fubo: This 150+ plan is the cheapest way to get SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Although you will pay more than for Fubo, you will get better playoff coverage. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • MLB.TV: The MLB’s out-of-market service is great if you live outside the Pirates broadcast area.

The Pittsburgh Pirates franchise was founded in 1882 and was originally known as the Allegheny. Today, the team plays its home games at PNC Park and is managed by Derek Shelton.

Let’s take a closer look at the history of this franchise, how the team did in 2023, and how you can watch Pirates games in 2024 without the need for cable.

Pittsburgh Pirates TV Channels

Although some games will appear only on streaming services, almost all Pirates games will appear on national broadcasts through their regional sports network (RSN).

National Channels

The majority of Major League Baseball (MLB) games that are broadcast to a national audience are shown on Fox, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network. Some games will also appear on ABC and NBC.

All playoff games are broadcast nationwide. They will appear on the same channels, which are available on most major streaming services.

SportsNet Pittsburgh

SportsNet Pittsburgh (formerly AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh) is a regional sports network (RSN). Its primary focus is airing Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) games.

It is available throughout Pennsylvania, except Philadelphia. Subscribers in portions of West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and Maryland are also eligible.

Streaming Services for Pittsburgh Pirates Games

There are various ways to watch Pirates games. Interestingly, it is now the case that you cannot watch every game on cable. Some games can only be streamed.

ServicePriceChannelsDVR (hrs)Screens
fubotv$79.99150+unlimited10
fubotv$86.9990+unlimitedunlimited
MLB TV$29.99N/AN/A‡4
‡ Allows DVR functions while watching live and the games are available on-demand later.

All cord cutters should invest in a digital antenna. They don’t cost much (around $30) and they will allow you to watch the Pirates for free whenever they are feature on network television. This isn’t that many games but the number goes up for the playoffs. And the World Series is available for free OTA!

Streaming Features

You can stream on multiple devices at the same time with any of these services. What’s more, unlike cable, all the live TV streaming services come with a free cloud DVR with unlimited storage. You don’t need a DVR with MLB.TV since it offers DVR functionality during live games and provides all games on-demand after they are finished.

These services offer apps for the most poplar streaming devices in use today: Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Roku, Samsung TVs, and web browsers. Fubo and MLB.TV provide apps for other devices including the LG smart TVs and Xbox gaming systems.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Details About the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 1882, the Pittsburgh Allegheny began play in the American Association (AA), which was the primary alternative to the National League (NL). However, the Pirates moved to the NL in 1887 and have remained there ever since.

Between 1903 and 1973, the Pirates won a total of five World Series championships. They have also won nine NL titles and the NL East division title nine times. Pittsburgh moved from the NL East to the NL Central in 1993.

Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla are two of the most famous players to have spent a portion of their careers in Pittsburgh. Bonds is perhaps best known for setting the record for most home runs in a season when he hit 73 in 2001. He also holds the record for most home runs in a career with 762.

The Pirates have struggled a lot in recent years. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2015. That was the third straight year they made the playoffs, but they lost twice in the Wild Card round and once in the Divisional round. And before that was a 21-year dry spell. The last time they made the World Series was in 1979, which they won in 7 games against the Baltimore Orioles.

Our Choice

If you’re serious about catching the Pirates this season, Fubo is the way to go – it’s got AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, which is the channel for die-hard Buccos fans. I checked out a bunch of streaming services, and Fubo just had the best combo of channels, picture quality, and a price that won’t break the bank. With Fubo, you get all the sports channels you could want, it works on pretty much any device, and it’s just so easy to use. Some other services had a few of those things, but none of ’em nailed it like Fubo did. If you want the best overall experience for watching the Pirates (and a ton of other sports), Fubo is the clear winner.

FAQs

Where can I watch tonight’s Pirates game?

The majority of Pirates games will be shown on Sportsnet Pittsburgh. However, if a game is on national television, it will likely be shown on ESPN, Fox, FS1, TBS, or MLB Network. There is also a possibility that a given game will appear on Peacock (Sundays) or Apple+ TV (Fridays).

Where can I find the Pirates on the radio?

Most Pittsburgh Pirates games are available on Sportsradio 93.7 FM THE FAN, which is the team’s flagship station. It may also be possible to listen to games on KDKA 1020 AM, which is a regional affiliate of CBS Sports Radio. If you are outside of either station’s broadcast area, it may be possible to listen to Pirates games by going directly to their websites or signing up for MLB Audio for $3.99/mo. You can also listen to the game on SiriusXM.

Can I watch Pirates broadcasts for free?

Pirates games that are broadcast on Fox may be available for free if you have an antenna. Games that are shown on Apple+ TV may also be shown for free during the 2022 season. However, games that are broadcast on national networks are only available on streaming services that charge a monthly fee.

Is it possible to stream Pirates games on my phone?

Most streaming services have dedicated apps that allow you to watch games on your phone. Alternatively, you can use a web browser to access a streaming account and watch games on your Android or iOS device with them. Additionally, SportsNet has its app if you have access to the service.

Frank Moraes
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