Cardinals.TV: A New Era of Streaming and Local Baseball Broadcasts
The St. Louis Cardinals are embracing a significant shift in how fans consume games, confirming a highly requested feature for their streaming service, Cardinals.TV. This move reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball, with more teams taking control of their local broadcasts and offering direct-to-consumer streaming options.
The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Sports Streaming
For years, Cardinals fans relied on traditional cable or satellite packages to watch games. Now, with Cardinals.TV, they have a choice. The service, available on the MLB app and MLB.com, provides access to all 162 games – either locally or nationally – without blackouts. What we have is a game-changer for cord-cutters and those seeking more flexible viewing options.
The Cardinals join seven other MLB clubs that have transitioned broadcast rights to Major League Baseball, signaling a growing trend of leagues bypassing regional sports networks (RSNs). This shift is driven by the decline of traditional cable subscriptions and the increasing popularity of streaming services.
Subscription Options and Pricing
Cardinals.TV offers two subscription tiers: a full-season pass for $99.99 and a monthly subscription for $19.99. The addition of the monthly package, a feature frequently requested by fans, provides greater accessibility and affordability. Subscriptions launched on February 10th.
Beyond the Broadcast: A Comprehensive Viewing Experience
The Cardinals’ broadcast team also sees some changes. Chip Caray returns as the primary play-by-play announcer, with his son, Stefan Caray, joining as a backup for an estimated 6-8 games. Brad Thompson and Mark Sweeney are back as analysts, and Jim Hayes celebrates his 25th season covering the team. Dani Wexelman joins as the road game reporter, sharing pre- and post-game duties with Scott Warmann.
Radio coverage remains robust, with Al Hrabosky and Ricky Horton contributing to pre- and post-game shows. Polo Ascencio and Bengie Molina will call all 81 home games in Spanish on WIJR 880 AM, with a Secondary Audio Program available on Cardinals.TV for fans who prefer the Spanish broadcast although watching the televised game.
National and Local Game Availability
Fans can also catch Cardinals games on national broadcasts, with 15 nationally televised home games scheduled for FOX (6), NBC/Peacock (4), Apple TV (2), ESPN (2), and ABC (1). The schedule is subject to change, and these games will be available through their respective platforms.
The Cardinals are also offering the Home Plate programming package, featuring 10 MLB-produced games on KMOV-TV and Matrix Midwest. Fans can follow the development of future Cardinals players with at least 20 Triple-A Memphis games and 10 Double-A Springfield games.
The Future of Local Sports Broadcasting
The Cardinals’ move to a direct-to-consumer model is part of a larger trend reshaping the landscape of local sports broadcasting. As RSNs face financial challenges, more teams are likely to follow suit, offering fans greater control over how they access games. This shift could lead to increased competition among streaming services and more innovative viewing experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Cardinals.TV cost?
A: A full-season pass costs $99.99, and a monthly subscription is available for $19.99.
Q: Where can I access Cardinals.TV?
A: Cardinals.TV is available on the MLB app and MLB.com.
Q: Will there be any blackouts on Cardinals.TV?
A: No, Cardinals.TV does not experience blackouts.
Q: Is there a Spanish-language broadcast option?
A: Yes, Polo Ascencio and Bengie Molina will call all 81 home games in Spanish on WIJR 880 AM, and a Secondary Audio Program is available on Cardinals.TV.
Q: When did Cardinals.TV subscriptions grow available?
A: Subscriptions launched on February 10th.
Pro Tip: Consider the monthly subscription if you only want to watch games during a specific part of the season. It’s a cost-effective way to stay connected to your favorite team!
Stay up-to-date with the latest Cardinals news and broadcast information at MLB.com.
