How To Watch Dodgers On Tv In Los Angeles
Yo, Dodger Fanatics! Listen Up! Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the Boys in Blue in LA!
So, you live in Los Angeles, the coolest city, and you need to watch the Dodgers dominate the diamond, but figuring out how to get the game on your TV feels like trying to hit a Clayton Kershaw curveball. It's a whole vibe of confusion! Fear not, my fellow faithful; this super-duper, easy-peasy guide is here to untangle the cable, streaming, and app chaos. We're going to break down the most clutch ways to catch every pitch, home run, and epic celebration—all while keeping your chill.
Let's get this party started and make sure you never miss a moment of Dodger glory!
Step 1: Know Your Home Base - The Real MVP Channel
Every superhero has a home, and for the Dodgers in LA, that home is Spectrum SportsNet LA (SNLA). This is the main spot where you'll catch the vast majority of regular season games. Think of it as the Dodger Blue HQ for television.
1.1. The Cable/Satellite Hookup (The Old School Flex)
If you're still rocking a traditional TV package, this is the easiest path to SNLA. You just gotta check if your provider is on the "Team Dodger" list!
Spectrum (Charter Communications): Since they basically own the channel, if you have Spectrum TV, you're golden. Just check your channel lineup for the SNLA spot. This is the OG way to watch.
DIRECTV: Good news! They usually carry SportsNet LA. Check their package tiers, but generally, you'll need a higher-tier package (like the "Choice" plan or above) to score this channel.
Other Big Players: If you have a different satellite or smaller cable company in the LA area, you need to call them up (or check their website, but calling is sometimes faster, no cap) and ask, "Yo, do you have Spectrum SportsNet LA?" Be ready for a few "hold music" jams!
1.2. The Cutting-the-Cord Coolness (Streaming Vibes)
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Lots of people are ditching the big, bulky cable box. If you're all about streaming, you have options now that didn't exist a while ago. It's a game-changer!
DIRECTV STREAM: This is probably your best bet for a cable-replacement streaming service because it includes SportsNet LA in its higher-tier packages. It's like having cable but without the commitment.
SNLA+ (Standalone Stream): Big news alert! MLB and Spectrum have teamed up to offer SNLA+ as a direct-to-consumer streaming service. This means if you don't have cable or DIRECTV STREAM, you can buy a subscription for SNLA+ directly through the MLB app or MLB.com. This is your personal cheat code to most games! Pro Tip: This is for fans inside the LA market only, because of those crazy blackout rules (more on that later).
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| How To Watch Dodgers On Tv In Los Angeles |
Step 2: Don't Forget the National Broadcast Wild Cards
Not every game is on SNLA! The Dodgers are superstars, so sometimes they get picked up by the big national networks. You can’t miss these matchups!
2.1. The Primetime Players (ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS)
A handful of games—especially the big rivalries or marquee matchups—are exclusively broadcast on national channels like ESPN, FOX, FS1, or TBS. If your cable or streaming package includes these channels, you're set for these games.
Check the Schedule: Always peek at the Dodgers' schedule a few days before a game. It'll tell you if it's an SNLA game or if it’s been snagged by a national network.
Playoffs are Different: If the Dodgers make it to the post-season (which, let's be real, they usually do!), those games move entirely to national channels like FOX, FS1, TBS, or ESPN. SNLA doesn't get playoff games, so keep those national channels handy!
2.2. The Friday Night Exclusive (Apple TV+)
Sometimes, on a Friday night, the Dodgers will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV+ as part of "Friday Night Baseball."
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
You Need the App: This means you have to have an Apple TV+ subscription and watch the game through their app, which you can get on almost any smart TV, phone, or streaming stick.
No Blackouts (Sweet!): The good news is that these Apple TV+ games are not subject to local blackouts, so if it's on Apple TV+, everyone in the US, including LA, can watch!
Step 3: Understanding the Super Annoying Blackout Rule
Okay, let's talk about the single most frustrating thing for local fans: The Blackout.
3.1. What's the Deal?
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MLB blackouts are a rule that basically says: "If you live near the team (which you do, in LA!), you must watch the game through the team's local channel (SNLA) or its local-market streaming option (SNLA+)."
This is Why MLB.TV is Tricky: If you try to use the general MLB.TV streaming service inside the Los Angeles area (the "home territory"), you'll find that the Dodgers games are blacked out. MLB.TV is designed for people who live outside the LA market (e.g., a fan in New York or Texas). Don't buy it just for LA games unless you want to watch every other team!
3.2. Your LA Blackout-Beater Strategy
To beat the blackout in Los Angeles for the majority of games, you must use one of the services that carries the local channel, SNLA:
Spectrum Cable/TV (The classic way)
DIRECTV (Satellite TV)
DIRECTV STREAM (Streaming service)
SNLA+ (The new standalone streaming option for in-market fans)
Pick one of these, and you're officially a blackout ninja!
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Step 4: Final Game Day Checklist (Don't Get Left Out!)
Check the Vitals: What day is it? Is it Friday? (Apple TV+ check). Is it a super hyped-up game? (National broadcast check). Otherwise, assume SNLA.
Verify Your Subscription: Make sure you've paid the bill, homie! Whether it's cable, DIRECTV STREAM, or SNLA+, a non-paying fan is a sad fan.
Get the Snacks Ready: This is a crucial step. Tacos, nachos, a Dodger Dog—fuel is essential for cheering for nine innings!
Find Your Spot: Couch, man cave, backyard setup? Get comfy. You're about to witness greatness.
Watching the Dodgers should be simple, not a whole research project. Now you've got the knowledge to just sit back, relax, and DODGER BASEBALL IS ON! You're welcome.
FAQs: Dodger Viewing Q&A (Quick Hits)
How to find the Spectrum SportsNet LA channel number? You will need to check your specific TV provider's channel guide by typing in your zip code, as the number can change depending on if you have Spectrum, DIRECTV, or another local carrier.
How to watch the Dodgers without a cable box? The best options are to subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM (which includes SportsNet LA) or purchase the new standalone streaming service, SNLA+, directly through the MLB app.
How to know if a Dodgers game is nationally broadcast? Check the official Dodgers schedule or a reliable sports site—they will list the network (e.g., ESPN, FOX, TBS) next to the game time if it's a national exclusive.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
How to stream the Dodgers on my phone in LA? If you subscribe to a service that carries SNLA, you can use that provider's app (like the Spectrum app or DIRECTV Stream app). You can also use the MLB app after authenticating your SNLA access or buying SNLA+.
How to watch Dodgers playoff games? Playoff games are not on SNLA. They are exclusively on national networks like FOX, FS1, or TBS, so ensure your TV package or streaming service includes those channels.
How to subscribe to SNLA+?
You can purchase SNLA+ directly through the MLB app or at
How to watch the Dodgers if I live outside Los Angeles? You should purchase a subscription to MLB.TV, as you will not be subject to the local LA blackout rules.
How to watch Dodgers Friday Night Baseball games? These select games are exclusively streamed on Apple TV+, so you need a subscription to the Apple TV+ streaming service.
How to watch Spring Training games for the Dodgers? Most Spring Training games are shown on Spectrum SportsNet LA (SNLA), so your main viewing options are the same as the regular season.
How to listen to the Dodgers games instead of watching? Tune in to the official radio home of the Dodgers, AM 570 LA Sports (and their iHeartRadio stream), or KTNQ 1020 AM for the Spanish broadcast.
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