MLB Opening Day 2026: How to Watch the Dodgers, Mets, and More
Baseball season is officially here! The 2026 Major League Baseball regular season begins with the time-honored tradition of Opening Day. This year, NBC and Peacock will be your home for the action, bringing you weekly MLB games, including the debut of Sunday Night Baseball, and much more. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tune in.
When is MLB Opening Day in 2026?
Whereas a preview game takes place the day before, the official MLB Opening Day festivities commence on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The day will begin with afternoon games on NBC and Peacock, culminating in the first Sunday Night Baseball broadcast of the season.
Who is Playing on MLB Opening Day 2026 on NBC & Peacock?
NBC and Peacock’s Opening Day coverage will feature two key matchups: the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Mets, and the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.
How to Watch MLB Opening Day Action on NBC and Peacock
NBC’s baseball coverage begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern with the Pittsburgh Pirates at the New York Mets, broadcast live on NBC and streamed simultaneously on Peacock.
As evening approaches, the spotlight shifts to primetime. Sunday Night Baseball’s Opening Day special showcases the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, live on NBC and Peacock. Pregame coverage will recap the day’s earlier action and preview the marquee matchup.
Who’s Hosting NBC’s MLB Opening Day Coverage?
NBC Sports has assembled a stellar broadcast team for the return of baseball. Leading the coverage is Bob Costas, a veteran voice of NBC Sports and Major League Baseball, who will be in Los Angeles for pregame duties.
Joining Costas on Sunday Night Baseball will be play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti, alongside analysts including Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo, and Joey Votto.
Beyond Opening Day: What Else to Expect on NBC and Peacock
NBC and Peacock will continue to deliver MLB action throughout the 2026 season. The schedule includes:
- Sunday Night Baseball: Weekly primetime games on NBC and Peacock.
- MLB Sunday Leadoff: Exclusive games on Peacock.
- All 15 MLB Games on July 5: A special “Star-Spangled Sunday” featuring all MLB games exclusively on NBC and Peacock.
- Labor Day Primetime Game: A new tradition featuring a primetime game on Labor Day.
- Postseason Wild Card Round: Exclusive coverage of the entire Wild Card round on NBC and Peacock.
Peacock will also stream live Sunday afternoon whip-around shows following MLB Sunday Leadoff, and one out-of-market game daily.