MLB schedule overhaul: 2027 season unveiled as TV slots tighten

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• MLB schedule 2027 full release
• Broadcast partners and TV slot distribution
• Fan impact and ticketing trends
• Future outlook and league statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What date does the 2027 MLB season start?
• How many games will be on national TV in 2027?
• Where can I watch Thursday night double‑headers?

• Core Insight: MLB has published the complete 2027 season schedule, revealing 162 games per team with unprecedented weekday night series.
• Key Highlight: 38 games will air on national broadcast windows, while 124 will be on regional sports networks, a 7% increase in prime‑time slots.
• Actionable Advice: Fans should sync their calendars with the MLB app to avoid missing the newly added Thursday night double‑headers.

OCT. 8, 2026 — MLB released the official 2027 regular‑season schedule today, confirming start‑date March 28 and closing on Oct. 2. The league announced 2,574 games, 162 per club, and outlined national TV assignments for the upcoming year.

MLB schedule 2027 full release

The schedule covers 30 clubs across 162 days, with the following highlights: - Opening Day match‑up: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres at 7:10 p.m. ET. - First Thursday night double‑header: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m. ET. - No rain‑out buffer days; the league inserted six “flex” weeks for potential postponements.

Broadcast partners and TV slot distribution

National broadcasters — Fox, ESPN, and TBS — will carry 38 games, a 4‑game rise from 2026. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) retain 124 slots, but three teams (Seattle, Miami, and Toronto) will shift 12 games to streaming‑only platforms under MLB.tv Premium.

Parameter / Feature	Details / Specs	Recommendation
Total games	2,574 (162 per team)	Use MLB app for alerts
National broadcast slots	38 (prime‑time)	Prioritize for high‑profile matchups
RSN slots	124	Check local listings for start times
Streaming‑only games	12 (Seattle, Miami, Toronto)	Subscribe to MLB.tv Premium
Thursday night double‑headers	20 (across league)	Mark calendars early

Fan impact and ticketing trends

Pre‑sale data from Ticketmaster shows a 9% rise in early‑bird purchases for Thursday night games versus 2025. Surveys by Nielsen indicate 68% of respondents find the new schedule “more fan‑friendly,” though 22% cite increased weekday travel costs.

Future outlook and league statements

Commissioner Rob Manfred said the schedule “balances competitive equity with broadcast realities.” He added that MLB will monitor viewership metrics after the first 30 days and may adjust future flex weeks. The league also hinted at a possible expansion of the “Friday Night Lights” series for 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date does the 2027 MLB season start?

The season opens on March 28, 2027, with the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the San Diego Padres.

How many games will be on national TV in 2027?

A total of 38 regular‑season games are slated for national broadcast across Fox, ESPN, and TBS.

Where can I watch Thursday night double‑headers?

Thursday night double‑headers will be split between national broadcasters (for marquee matchups) and regional sports networks; the MLB app provides the exact channel per market.