Hey Royals fans! Wondering how to catch all the Kansas City Royals games in 2024? You've come to the right place. With the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, it's essential to stay updated on all your viewing options. Let’s break down how you can watch your favorite team, whether you're a cord-cutter, a traditional cable subscriber, or somewhere in between. We’ll cover everything from streaming services to local channels, so you don’t miss a single home run or stolen base.

Streaming Options for Royals Games

Streaming services have revolutionized how we watch sports, offering flexibility and convenience. For Royals fans, several platforms provide access to games, but it’s crucial to understand what each offers to make the best choice. Let's dive into some of the top streaming options for catching the Royals in action.

MLB.TV

One of the primary options for streaming Royals games is MLB.TV. This service, run by Major League Baseball, allows you to watch almost every game live or on-demand. MLB.TV offers two main subscription options: a full season package that includes every team's games and a single-team package that focuses solely on the Royals. However, there’s a significant caveat: blackout restrictions.

Blackout restrictions mean that if you're within the Kansas City Royals' designated broadcast region, you might not be able to watch live games. This is because local broadcasts take precedence. You'll still have access to the games on-demand about 90 minutes after they conclude, but the live experience will be blocked. For fans living outside the Royals' broadcast area, MLB.TV is an excellent choice to watch games without blackout concerns.

Streaming Services with Regional Sports Networks

To bypass blackout restrictions and watch Royals games live if you're in the local broadcast area, you’ll need a streaming service that carries Bally Sports Kansas City. This regional sports network (RSN) holds the local broadcast rights for the Royals. Unfortunately, as of 2024, many major streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV do not carry Bally Sports Kansas City due to ongoing carriage disputes. This situation can change, so it's always good to check the latest information on each service’s channel lineup.

Fubo

Fubo is currently one of the best streaming options for Royals fans in the Kansas City area. It includes Bally Sports Kansas City in its channel lineup, allowing you to watch the games live without worrying about blackouts. Fubo offers a variety of packages, so make sure that the one you choose includes Bally Sports Kansas City. Besides live games, Fubo also provides access to other sports channels and a wide range of entertainment and news content, making it a comprehensive option for any household.

DIRECTV STREAM

Another viable option is DIRECTV STREAM. Like Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM carries Bally Sports Kansas City in its channel lineup, enabling you to watch live Royals games in the local market. DIRECTV STREAM tends to be a bit pricier than other streaming services, but it offers a robust selection of channels, including many sports networks. It’s worth considering if you want a more traditional cable-like experience with the flexibility of streaming.

Other Streaming Options

While MLB.TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM are the primary streaming options, keep an eye out for any potential changes in channel lineups on other services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Streaming deals and carriage agreements can shift frequently, so staying informed will ensure you don’t miss any opportunities to watch the Royals.

Traditional Cable and Satellite TV

Traditional cable and satellite TV remain reliable ways to watch Kansas City Royals games, especially if you value a consistent and familiar viewing experience. These services typically include regional sports networks like Bally Sports Kansas City, which is essential for catching live, local broadcasts.

Cable Providers

Most cable providers in the Kansas City area, such as Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox Communications, offer packages that include Bally Sports Kansas City. When subscribing to a cable package, ensure that Bally Sports Kansas City is included in your channel lineup. Cable TV often comes with additional perks, such as DVR recording capabilities, which allow you to record games and watch them later at your convenience. Additionally, cable packages usually offer a wide range of other channels, providing comprehensive entertainment for the whole family.

Satellite Providers

Satellite providers like DIRECTV and DISH Network also offer access to Bally Sports Kansas City. DIRECTV, in particular, has a strong reputation for its sports coverage, making it a popular choice among sports fans. Like cable, satellite TV provides a consistent viewing experience and a broad selection of channels. Satellite TV can be an excellent option if you live in an area where cable service is unreliable or unavailable.

Advantages of Cable and Satellite

One of the main advantages of sticking with cable or satellite is the reliability and simplicity of the service. Unlike streaming, which can be affected by internet speed and connectivity issues, cable and satellite provide a stable signal, ensuring you can watch the games without interruptions. Cable and satellite also offer a traditional channel guide, making it easy to find and watch your favorite games.

Over-the-Air Broadcasts

Over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts provide another avenue for watching Royals games, particularly if you live in the Kansas City area. Local channels often broadcast select games, offering a cost-effective way to watch the team without a cable or streaming subscription.

Local Channels

Keep an eye on local channels like KMBC (ABC 9), KCTV (CBS 5), WDAF (FOX 4), and KSHB (NBC 41). These channels sometimes broadcast Royals games as part of their sports programming. Check your local listings regularly to see if any upcoming games will be aired on these channels. OTA broadcasts are free; all you need is an antenna to pick up the signals.

Setting Up an Antenna

To access over-the-air broadcasts, you’ll need an HD antenna. These antennas are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. You can find them at most electronics stores or online retailers. Simply connect the antenna to your TV, scan for channels, and you’ll be able to watch any available local broadcasts. An amplified antenna can improve reception if you live far from the broadcast towers.

Benefits of Over-the-Air Broadcasts

The main benefit of over-the-air broadcasts is that they are free. Once you’ve purchased the antenna, there are no recurring costs. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious fans who still want to catch some Royals games. Additionally, OTA broadcasts provide high-definition quality, often comparable to cable and satellite.

Staying Updated

Staying updated on where to watch Kansas City Royals games is essential because broadcasting agreements and channel lineups can change. Here are some tips to keep you informed:

Check Local Listings

Regularly check your local TV listings to see which channels are broadcasting Royals games. Many websites and apps provide detailed TV schedules, making it easy to find the games you want to watch.

Follow Social Media

Follow the Kansas City Royals and Bally Sports Kansas City on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They often announce broadcast schedules and any changes to their programming.

Visit Team Websites

Check the official website of the Kansas City Royals for broadcast information. The team usually posts a schedule of upcoming games and details on where they will be televised or streamed.

Use Streaming Service Apps

Use the apps of your streaming services, such as Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM, to see the channel lineup and game schedules. These apps often provide notifications about upcoming games and any changes to the broadcast schedule.

Conclusion

Watching the Kansas City Royals in 2024 offers several options, from streaming services like MLB.TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM to traditional cable and satellite TV, and even free over-the-air broadcasts. The best choice depends on your location, budget, and viewing preferences. By staying informed and regularly checking your local listings, you can ensure you never miss a moment of Royals baseball. So, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, settle in, and cheer on your team!