Atlanta Braves fans have long loved watching their team on national networks like TBS — for many, it’s how they first connected with Braves baseball. But in recent years, complicated media deals and blackout restrictions have left fans increasingly frustrated. Even with subscriptions to popular streaming platforms, many still can’t watch the games.
One fan vented their anger: “I live over four hours away in a different state and time zone, and I still can’t watch because of blackout rules. It’s the dumbest media contract ever.” They added that even when the Braves appear on TBS, the blackout restrictions still apply. “I’d have to pay hundreds of dollars across multiple subscriptions to watch every game. MLB is dying. Kids don’t care, and if they don’t, I’m not spending money on tickets.”
In an effort to improve accessibility, the Braves announced a multi-year partnership with Gray Media in December 2024. Starting in 2025, Gray Media will simulcast 15 regular-season games and air 10 exclusive spring training games. The deal aims to reach more than 15 million homes across the Southeast through both local TV and streaming options.
Still, blackout rules remain a major point of contention. A Charlotte fan said, “The Braves game was blacked out here. I have Spectrum and even access to FanDuel Sports channels — but they were showing something else. I couldn’t watch on TBS or the local channel. It’s ridiculous.”
To help ease those frustrations, the Braves and FanDuel Sports Network introduced a special offer. As of March 18, 2025, fans in the Braves’ TV region who haven’t yet subscribed to FanDuel’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service can claim a 30-day free trial. The offer includes access to regular-season games, Opening Day coverage on March 27, the Home Opener on April 4, and pre- and postgame shows via the FanDuel Sports Network app.
Offer Highlights for Eligible Fans:
- Stream Braves regular-season games
- Watch Opening Day (March 27) and Home Opener (April 4)
- Enjoy pregame and postgame shows
- Access additional local/national FanDuel programming
- Free for the first 30 days
While the Gray Media deal and FanDuel trial are steps in the right direction, fans are still calling out Major League Baseball’s outdated blackout policies, which often make it harder — not easier — to support their teams. Unless MLB reconsiders these rules, the battle to make Braves baseball accessible to all fans is far from over.
