If you are a local fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, or Columbus Blue Jackets, you need Bally Sports Ohio.
In a hurry? You have two excellent choices for streaming Bally Sports Ohio:
- Fubo: Get over 150 channels including a great selection of RSNs starting at $91.98/mo. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Sets you up with every regional channel in your area and 100+ others for $108.99/mo. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
If you can’t watch your favorite sports because of your location, get ExpressVPN to access the content you deserve.
Table Of Contents
Bally Sports Ohio, which got its start in 1989 as SportsChannel Ohio, broadcasts locally produced games played by several Ohio-based teams to those located in and near the Buckeye State. But it isn’t necessary to have a cable contract to watch it. Read on to learn your options.
How to Stream Bally Sports Ohio
Those looking to get rid of their cable bill while enjoying Bally Sports Ohio’s coverage of the Reds, Cavaliers, and Blue Jackets have a couple of options.
How to watch Bally Sports Ohio with Fubo
Fubo (formerly FuboTV) offers Bally Sports Ohio as part of its 150+ channel lineup in its Pro plan. The plan is sports-heavy with CBS Sports Network, ESPN, Fox Sports, and the networks beIN Sports and TUDN. An add-on for MLB.TV is also available.
It also offers near-universal coverage of local network channels from ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and Spanish-language networks as well. And it provides upwards of 100 general cable channels like Comedy Central, FX, and USA Network.
You also get a cloud DVR with 1,000 hours of storage. And you can stream all these channels on up to 10 devices at once at your home location and two on the road.
Fubo has a base price of $79.99/mo and an RSN fee. Most subscribers will pay $91.98/mo.
- Plan Cost: $79.99/mo
- RSN Fee:
- One RSN: $11.99/mo — total: $91.98/mo
- Two or More RSNs: $14.99/mo — total: $94.98/mo
Read our Fubo review for details.
How to Watch Bally Sports Ohio on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers Bally Sports Ohio. Subscribing to its Choice plan for $108.99/mo will grant you that channel as well as the Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPNU, FS1, NBC Sports Network, and SEC Network.
In some cases, those who subscribe to at least DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice plan will also receive one or more other RSNs. For example, Columbus-based subscribers will get Bally Sports Great Lakes and SportsNet Pittsburgh as well.
Subscribers making the move up to its Ultimate plan, which costs $119.99/mo, will also get CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) and FS2. Fans of Mid-American Conference schools, of which there are six in Ohio, should note that some MAC football and men’s basketball games are shown on CBSSN.
You can go all-out with the Premier plan for $164.99/mo. It features over 150 channels including the full slate of premium channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax.
All plans come with unlimited cloud DVR storage (if you sign-up online) and streaming on unlimited devices at once. For more information, see our DIRECTV STREAM review.
Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days
How to Watch Bally Sports Ohio with Bally Sports+
Note: At this point, Bally Sports+ has secured rights for the games of all covered NBA and NHL teams. But it has not secured rights to most MLB team games. Make sure that your teams will be available before signing up. Or go with Fubo.
Starting with the 2022 MLB season, you can get Bally Sports+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service that provides access to all the Bally Sports channels that are available in your area. There’s just one plan — you get access to content anywhere from one to three channels depending on your location. But you can pay in two ways:
- Monthly: $19.99
- Yearly: $189.99.
According to Bally Sports, the service is in the process of expanding its collection of supported streaming devices. As it stands, it is fairly limited: Amazon Fire TV, Android mobile, Android TV-compatible TVs, iOS (iPhone) tvOS, and most web browsers (using BallySports.com). (Bally Sports+ deal details)
Bally Sports+ is a welcome addition to the cord-cutter’s toolkit. But it will normally need to be supplemented with other tools since it provides access to no other live channels. Sling TV, for example, might pair well with it given it provides access to TBS and TNT.
Another issue is the lack of RSNs outside Bally Sports. For example, subscribers in Columbus may also want SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pirates). You can get this with the Bally Sports channels through DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo.
Alternatives to Bally Sports Ohio
MLB.tv ($24.99/mo), NBA League Pass ($14.99/mo), and ESPN+ ($10.99/mo) offer out-of-market broadcasts to MLB, NBA, and NHL fans. These are great options for either displaced Ohioans or those who do not have a connection with the state but adopted at least one of its teams as part of their sports fandom.
However, those within Bally Sports Ohio’s broadcast area generally cannot use those services to watch their teams. One significant exception, however, is that Guardians fans in Cincinnati and Reds fans in Cleveland can view their favorite team’s games on MLB.TV despite being in the same state.
Sign up for MLB.TV on Fubo for FREE today!
Otherwise, those in this broadcast area do not really have any alternatives unless they do not mind only watching a select number of their teams’ games – the ones that are shown nationally. This is a viable option if you would simply like to see your teams play every once in a while in addition to their significant games (the majority of playoff games in these leagues are shown nationally).
If the latter situation describes you, you could subscribe to a different, more affordable live TV streaming service. Other options include Sling TV ($40.00/mo), and Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/mo).
Keep in mind that if your sporting focus is solely on one or more college teams, you will not miss much by not having access to Bally Sports Ohio. For example, if you would like to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes play, instead make sure that you have access to channels such as Fox, ABC, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, TNT, and Big Ten Network.
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Watch Bally Sports Ohio on Your Streaming TV or Device
DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo allow you to watch Bally Sports Ohio on most streaming devices. They have apps for smart TVs by Samsung and those running Android TV. They also support popular TV devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
Smartphones and tablets running iOS and Android are supported. You can also use them (and Chrome web browsers) to cast to your TV using Chromecast (either built-in or with an external device).
Fubo supports smart TVs from Hisense, LG, and Vizio. And it also supports the Xbox gaming console.
Your DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo subscription also allows you to use the Bally Sports App. It supports many devices including Android TV-based devices/TVs and Xbox One gaming consoles.
What Is Bally Sports Ohio?
Bally Sports Ohio is one of numerous Bally Sports channels across the nation. It is a regional sports network (RSN), which broadcasts local sports for local fans.
Its programming is only available to those located in its broadcast area although those situated elsewhere can watch out-of-market Bally Sports Ohio game broadcasts through a service such as NBA League Pass ($14.99/mo).
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Where Is Bally Sports Ohio Available?
As expected, Bally Sports Ohio is available throughout Ohio. But its broadcast area stretches into Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
What Sports Teams Does Bally Sports Ohio Cover?
Major sports teams covered by Bally Sports Ohio include the Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL).
A notable Ohio-based team not carried by this channel is the Cleveland Guardians (MLB). Their locally-produced games (Spring Training and regular season) may be found on Bally Sports Great Lakes (formerly SportsTime Ohio).
Subscribers in Cleveland should also note that Bally Sports Ohio’s broadcasts of Reds games are blacked out there although they can access those same broadcasts through an MLB.TV subscription ($24.99/mo).
As is the case throughout the rest of the country, no NFL games are available on Bally Sports Ohio. Those wanting to watch the Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals play will need to instead head to CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, or NFL Network.
Meanwhile, NCAA Division I sporting events are on a variety of channels, largely dependent on a school’s conference or which conference the home team is a member of in the case of non-conference away match-ups.
A few college games are shown on Bally Sports Ohio, but that number is relatively small, and many of those feature teams that do not have a geographical connection with Ohio.
Bally Sports Ohio Commentators
Bally Sports Ohio provides a lot more than just games. In particular, they provide news as well as pregame and postgame analysis with shows like Reds Live Pre-Game and Reds Live Post-Game. And, of course, they provide commentary for the games themselves.
John Sadak started his tenure as the Cincinnati Reds‘ television play-by-play announcer in 2021. Chris Welsh, who completed his five-year playing career with a stint in Cincinnati in 1986, joins him as analyst. Jeff Brantley and Barry Larkin fill in with analysis for some games. Jim Day is the sideline reporter. In the studio are Brian Giesenschlag Sam LeCure, and Annie Sabo.
Over at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, John Michael (play-by-play) and Austin Carr (analyst) describe Cleveland Cavaliers games to the team’s local viewing audience. Carr and Daugherty both played for the Cavs. They are sometimes joined by Brad Daugherty and Mike Fratello. Serena Winters is the sideline reporter. Cayleigh Griffin and Campy Russell are in the studio.
Above the rink at Nationwide Arena commenting on Columbus Blue Jackets games are Jeff Rimer (play-by-play), Jody Shelley (color analyst), and Dave Maetzold (rink side reporter). Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre and Brian Giesenschlag help out from the studio.
Today’s Bally Sports Ohio Schedule
Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:
| NASCAR Race Rewind – 2023 Talladega: Geico 500 From April 23, 2023 from Talladega Superspeedway. |
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| NASCAR Race Rewind – 2022 Talladega: Geico 500 From April 24, 2022. |
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| Offroad Odyssey – Day Tripping Adrenaline-pumping action, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable encounter offroad. |
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| Adventure Cities – Aqaba & Quebec City Seasoned travel writer Jonathan Thompson sets out to explore the adventurous sides of Aqaba, Jordan, and Québec City, Canada. |
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| Live on the Line Interactive betting program that informs and entertains while delivering expert analysis and betting advice, including the best bets, props, lines, fantasy plays and bargains, as well as trending topics across sports that impact betting. |
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| The Bobby Carpenter Show | |
| Unbeatable Catch up on the latest "Unbeatable" action from the British Basketball League, with highlights from all the games and the top 10 plays. |
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| British Basketball League – Leicester Riders vs. Manchester Giants From Morningside Arena Leicester in Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom. |
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| Live on the Line Interactive betting program that informs and entertains while delivering expert analysis and betting advice, including the best bets, props, lines, fantasy plays and bargains, as well as trending topics across sports that impact betting. |
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| World Poker Tour: Season 20 – Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown - Part 3 | |
| World Poker Tour: Season 20 – Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown - Part 4 | |
| The Card Life – Tampa A show dedicated to the hobby and business of sports card collecting. |
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| Sports Stars of Tomorrow Profiles of the top rookie, college and high-school talent in sports; current athletes share their experiences, advice and personal impressions of the road to stardom. |
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| Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball – Game 24 - Team Sims (Orange) vs. Team Gray (Gold) From Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas. |
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| World Poker Tour: Season 20 – Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown - Part 4 | |
| NASCAR Race Rewind – 2022 Talladega: Geico 500 From April 24, 2022. |
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| NASCAR Race Rewind – 2023 Talladega: Geico 500 From April 23, 2023 from Talladega Superspeedway. |
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| In the Spotlight – Tom Glavine Featuring legends of the sports world in their own words, hosted by former Major League Baseball player and longtime broadcaster Fran Healy. |
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| Focused – Kevin Youkilis A glimpse into compelling sports stars and iconic athletic institutions. Visual storytelling propels a deep dive into each story, as the true essence of each subject is revealed. |
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| Ideal Prostate+ Provides Safe Natural Relief Ideal Prostate is the only Prostate Formula with a patented blend to relieve both PROSTATE & BLADDER Symptoms. Tune in for a Special TV offer! |
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| NEW Secret to Younger Skin Get an ULTRA youthful-looking neck at any age! TUNE IN TO SEE HOW! |
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| Relief from inflammation Connie Craig-Carrol & Founder Ken Meares investigates Omega XL, the ultimate all natural solution for joint pain from inflammation. |
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| Ideal Prostate+ Provides Safe Natural Relief Ideal Prostate is the only Prostate Formula with a patented blend to relieve both PROSTATE & BLADDER Symptoms. Tune in for a Special TV offer! |
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| Paid Programming Paid programming. |
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| Paid Programming Paid programming. |
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| Golf Life – Viva Las LIV Golf Featuring the latest trends, tours of the finest courses and tips from golf experts. |
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| Breaking Par A look at the game of golf through a different lens. |
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| Facing Waves – Best of: Kayaking North Carolina Ken Whiting and other top athletes demonstrate spectacular paddling during kayaking adventures in stunning locations around the world, featuring paddling, sea kayaking, canoeing, whitewater paddling and stand up paddling. |
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| Adventure Cities – Sapporo & Portland Seasoned travel writer Jonathan Thompson sets out to explore the adventurous sides of Sapporo, Japan and Portland, Ore. |
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| Nick's Wild Ride With Nick Hoffman – Kalahari Dreamin' Season Premiere: Nick returns to Namibia in search of the icons of the desert, reunites with old friends, and digs deep into an important conservation story. |
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| Offroad Odyssey – Mountain Rides Adrenaline-pumping action, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable encounter offroad. |
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| Ideal Prostate+ Provides Safe Natural Relief Ideal Prostate is the only Prostate Formula with a patented blend to relieve both PROSTATE & BLADDER Symptoms. Tune in for a Special TV offer! |
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| Paid Programming Paid programming. |
Wrapping Up
Bally Sports Ohio is essential for Ohio-based sports fans who cheer for major league teams located in the Buckeye State.
Fubo ($91.98/mo) is our top pick. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
FAQs
Can I subscribe directly to Bally Sports Ohio?
You can subscribe to Bally Sports Ohio (or at least all the content and live games on it) via Bally Sports+. The service costs $19.99/mo or $189.99/yr. Note that this only includes access to the Bally Sports channels available in your area. Any other RSNs, local channels, or national channels must be acquired elsewhere.
Is Bally Sports Ohio available through Hulu?
Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer any Bally Sports channels. That includes Bally Sports Ohio. Until 2020, Hulu did provide access but it was cut because of price. The same thing happened to YouTube TV. To get Bally Sports Ohio, you need to sign up with Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM.
What happened to Fox Sports Ohio?
Fox Sports Ohio became Bally Sports Ohio on March 31, 2021, the day before the Cincinnati Reds opened their campaign with a home game versus the St Louis Cardinals. That was the result of all Fox Sports affiliates being sold due to a requirement from the US Justice Department after Disney acquired ESPN. It is now owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Entertainment Studios through Diamond Sports Group.
What is Bally Sports Great Lakes? What about Bally Sports Cincinnati?
Bally Sports Great Lakes is a sister channel of Bally Sports Ohio. Its focus is the Cleveland Indians, and it shows nearly all of that team’s games. Bally Sports Cincinnati is not an actual channel. It is instead the branding sometimes used to advertise Bally Sports Ohio’s coverage of the Cincinnati Reds.
How can I watch Bally Sports Ohio if I am not in its broadcast area?
You cannot watch Bally Sports Ohio if you are not in its broadcast area. However, those who are not blacked out from their favorite teams can still catch many of its game broadcasts through MLB.TV ($24.99/mo), NBA League Pass ($14.99/mo), and ESPN+ ($10.99/mo). This last service provides a lot of coverage of NHL games.
Are Columbus Crew matches shown on Bally Sports Ohio?
Bally Sports Ohio used to share broadcasting rights for Columbus Crew matches with Bally Sports Great Lakes. But starting in 2023, MLS started its own streaming service, MLS Season Pass. It’s a bit costly ($14.99/mo or $99.99/yr). But it allows you to watch every match of every team regardless where you live.
How can I watch the Reds’ divisional rivals?
See the following articles about other teams in the National League Central:
- Chicago Cubs — Marquee Sports Network
- Milwaukee Brewers — Bally Sports Wisconsin
- Pittsburgh Pirates — SportsNet Pittsburgh
- St Louis Cardinals — Bally Sports Midwest
How can I watch the Blue Jackets’ divisional rivals?
See the following articles about other teams in the Metropolitan Division:
- Carolina Hurricanes — Bally Sports South
- New Jersey Devils — MSG
- New York Islanders — MSG
- New York Rangers — MSG
- Philadelphia Flyers — NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh Penguins — SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Washington Capitals — Monumental Sports Network
How can I watch the Cavaliers’ divisional rivals?
See the following articles about other teams in the Central Division:
- Chicago Bulls — NBC Sports Chicago
- Detroit Pistons — Bally Sports Detroit
- Indiana Pacers — Bally Sports Indiana
- Milwaukee Bucks — Bally Sports Wisconsin
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