Phillies fans finally get local streaming on MLB.TV but as always, it’ll cost you

For years, Phillies fans stuck in the local market had to hold onto expensive cable bundles just to watch games on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Now, for the first time in 23 seasons, that’s changing.

This week, MLB and NBC Sports Regional Networks announced a new deal that will allow local fans to stream Phillies games directly on MLB.TV—no cable required.

This comes just days after NBC Sports Philadelphia launched a direct-to-consumer option through Peacock, meaning fans now have multiple ways to ditch cable and still catch the games. But, as always, it’s gonna cost you.

Breaking Down Your Phillies’ Streaming Package Options:

1) NBC Sports Philadelphia via Peacock

• Price: $24.95 per month (on top of a Peacock subscription)
• Total cost: $32.94/month ($24.95 + $7.99 for Peacock’s base plan)
• What you get: NBC Sports Philadelphia, including Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers games

2) Phillies Games on MLB.TV

• Price: $24.99 per month (Phillies games only)
• Upgrade: $44.99 per month to unlock ALL locally broadcast MLB games
• What you get: Phillies games streamed live and on demand, plus pre- and post-game shows

What You Don’t Get

• Any national broadcasts on ESPN, Apple TV, FOX, or Roku
• Games airing outside of NBC Sports Philadelphia’s network

Still, 149 of the Phillies’ 162 regular-season games will be eligible for streaming, which is a huge step forward for local fans even though the overall strategy and price tag continues to be a total rip off.

NBC Sports Philadelphia finally goes A La Carte—And surprise, surprise, it’s a total ripoff

Is it worth it?

Cutting the cord used to be about saving money—now, it’s about building your own overpriced bundle. If you just want Phillies games, MLB.TV is the better deal. I’m an MLB.TV subscriber because I’m a total sicko for baseball but even then, I also watch to (hate) watch the Sixers and Flyers so if anything, the NBC Sports Philly/Peacock package makes more sense.

My suggestion, is to say fuck both options above and just go YouTubeTV which continues to be the best streaming option. Literally none of this is “cheap” and at least right now, YouTubeTV offers the local sports packages and it remains the best option for an all-inclusive Philly sports streaming package.

Congratulations, we played ourselves.

I say it every single time. This is our fault. The future we chose was a la carte options and now we’re dealing with the consequences. For Phillies fans, at least there’s finally a way to ditch cable and still catch the games. Just be ready to shell out for it.

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