Ditch Cable, Not Your Braves Fandom: How to Watch Atlanta's Boys Without Being Nickel-and-Dimed by Big Cable
Let's face it, folks, cable bills are about as fun as a sunburn on your birthday. But that shouldn't stop you from cheering on our beloved Atlanta Braves! Fear not, fellow fans, for we're here to unveil the secrets (well, not exactly secrets) to catching all the bat flips and Freddie Freeman dingers without that pesky cable bill.
How To Watch Atlanta Braves Without Cable |
Streaming Services: Your New Best Friends (Unless You Have Commitment Issues)
These bad boys are like cable's cooler, hipper cousin. You get a ton of channels, often including Bally Sports South (the holy grail for Braves fans), all without a pesky contract tying you down. Here are a few to consider:
- FuboTV: Think of it as the sports bar of streaming services. Tons of channels, great for catching all the action, but be prepared to pay a premium (though probably less than cable).
- Hulu + Live TV: This one's like the all-you-can-eat buffet of streaming. You get Braves games, sure, but also a ton of other channels for when you need a break from baseball (or maybe you want to watch reruns of The Golden Girls while waiting for commercials).
- Sling TV: This is the "build your own burger" of streaming services. Pick the channels you want, keep the price low, but be aware you might need to add extra packages to catch all the Braves games.
Remember: Do your research! Free trials are your friend. Sign up, see if it works for you, and then cancel before they lock you into a contract (unless you find the perfect fit, then by all means, cuddle up with your new streaming bae).
MLB.TV: For the True Die-Hards (with a Caveat)
This is the official Major League Baseball streaming service, and it's fantastic... if you don't live in the Atlanta blackout zone. Yes, you read that right. Thanks to local broadcast rights, you might be blocked out of watching some Braves games if you're in the Atlanta area. But hey, if you're a traveling Braves fan or just don't mind a little technological workaround (ahem, VPNs, ahem), this can be a great option.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Word to the Wise: MLB.TV has blackout restrictions, so check the details before you subscribe.
Other Options: For the Frugal Fanatic
- Buddy Up: Is your neighbor a Braves die-hard with cable? Maybe a strategic casserole exchange could earn you access to the big game? Just saying...
- Local Bars and Restaurants: Many sports bars and restaurants will be showing the game. Bonus points if they have good wings and frosty beverages.
Remember: Pace yourself. Watching multiple games at a bar can put a dent in your wallet faster than a fastball.
Braves Fan FAQ: How to Keep Your Fandom Thriving
How to watch Braves games on ESPN?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
You can catch some Braves games nationally televised on ESPN with a subscription to a streaming service that carries ESPN, like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV (with an add-on).
How to watch Braves games on Bally Sports South?
Bally Sports South is the home of the Braves, but it's only available on certain streaming services like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
How to watch Braves games out of market?
MLB.TV is a great option for catching Braves games if you live outside of the Atlanta blackout zone.
How much does it cost to watch Braves games without cable?
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
Streaming services typically range from $30 to $100 per month, depending on the options you choose.
Is it illegal to watch Braves games with a VPN?
The legality of using a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions is a grey area. It's best to check the terms of service of the streaming service you're using.