Washington Nationals fans, get ready for a new era of baseball viewing that promises more flexibility, innovation, and excitement than ever before. As Major League Baseball swings into its 2026 season, the Nationals are making headlines not just for what happens on the field, but for a dramatic shift in how their games are broadcast. Gone are the days of tuning in through MASN—Nationals.TV has officially taken over as the team’s exclusive local broadcast channel, ushering in a fresh chapter for fans across the D.C. region and beyond.
This seismic change in sports broadcasting means that, for the first time, Nationals games are no longer available via MASN. Instead, Nationals.TV now serves as the go-to destination for every pitch, home run, and diving catch. Whether you’re a die-hard who never misses a game or a casual supporter looking to catch a few innings from the comfort of your couch, Nationals.TV has rolled out a suite of options tailored to just about every viewing preference.
So, what’s new and how can you watch? Nationals.TV is widely accessible throughout the Washington D.C. area on a range of major cable and satellite providers. Fans can find the channel on Charter/Spectrum (IP National) Channel 425, Charter/Spectrum (Localized STB Systems) Channel 330—covering Norfolk-Portsmouth, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, and Salisbury DMAs—Comcast/Xfinity Channel 1261, Cox Channel 159, DIRECTV Channel 641, and Verizon Fios Channel 579. Additional providers and channel details are available at Nationals.com/Watch, making it easier than ever to find your way to the action.
For those who prefer to cut the cord, Nationals.TV has you covered with a direct-to-consumer streaming option. Fans without a cable or satellite subscription can subscribe through the MLB App or MLB.com, with plans priced at $99.99 for the entire season or $19.99 per month. The service is subject to national exclusivities and geographic restrictions, so be sure to check your eligibility before signing up. This flexibility is a game-changer for Nationals supporters who want to keep up with the team on their own terms, whether at home, on the go, or even sneaking a few innings at work (we won’t tell!).
But that’s not all: Nationals.TV is pulling out all the stops to enhance the viewing experience for its inaugural season. The broadcast team is a star-studded trio, featuring Dan Kolko on play-by-play duties, with analyst Kevin Frandsen and host/reporter Alexa Datt rounding out the crew. All three bring unique insights and infectious enthusiasm to every broadcast, and they’ll be reporting live from location for every home and away game—no remote call-ins or studio-only coverage here. According to the official news release, "Dan Kolko, Kevin Frandsen, and Alexa Datt will broadcast live from location for every home and away game." Their chemistry and expertise promise to keep fans engaged from the first pitch to the final out.
Adding to the excitement, Nationals.TV is introducing production enhancements that are sure to please even the most discerning baseball aficionados. The 2026 season will feature Wire Cam and shallow depth RF cameras, offering dynamic new perspectives and immersive visuals that bring fans closer to the action than ever before. These technological upgrades underscore the Nationals’ commitment to delivering a world-class viewing experience, whether you’re watching on a massive living room TV or streaming from your phone on the subway.
The timing couldn’t be better. Thursday, March 26, 2026, marks Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, and the Nationals are set to kick off their season with a road matchup against the Chicago Cubs. It’s a highly anticipated contest that sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling campaign. The excitement in the air is palpable, and while the Yankees already got a jump on the festivities by blanking the Giants 7-0 on March 25, all eyes in the nation’s capital are now fixed on the Nationals’ showdown at Wrigley Field.
But the real party begins when the Nationals return home. The team’s home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, 2026, when they’ll square off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. It’s a marquee matchup that’s sure to draw a packed house and plenty of buzz, both in the stands and on screens across the region. Whether you’re planning to be there in person or tuning in via Nationals.TV, this is one game you won’t want to miss.
For fans eager to explore their viewing options, Nationals.com/Watch remains the definitive resource. The site provides up-to-date information on channel locations, streaming subscriptions, and any changes to national broadcast restrictions. With so many choices now available, there’s no excuse to miss a single inning of Nationals baseball this season.
The transition from MASN to Nationals.TV represents more than just a change in channel—it’s a bold step forward for both the team and its supporters. By embracing modern streaming technology and enhancing traditional broadcasts, the Nationals are meeting fans where they are and setting a new standard for how local sports can be delivered. This move also reflects broader trends across Major League Baseball, as teams and leagues look to adapt to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for flexible, high-quality content.
Of course, change isn’t always easy, and some longtime fans may feel nostalgic for the old MASN broadcasts. But with a dynamic new broadcast team, state-of-the-art production upgrades, and a commitment to accessibility, Nationals.TV is poised to win over even the most skeptical viewers. As Alexa Datt put it in a recent interview, "We’re thrilled to bring Nationals fans closer to the game than ever before." That’s a sentiment echoed by many in the Nationals organization, who see this new platform as a way to deepen connections with the team’s passionate fanbase.
As the 2026 season gets underway, all eyes are on the Nationals—not just for their performance on the diamond, but for their bold reinvention of the baseball viewing experience. Whether you’re catching every game live, tuning in for the highlights, or just keeping tabs on the standings, Nationals.TV ensures you’re never far from the action. So grab your favorite snacks, settle into your lucky chair, and get ready to cheer on the Nats as they chase glory in a season that’s already shaping up to be unforgettable.
With Opening Day upon us and a brand-new broadcast era dawning, there’s never been a better time to be a Nationals fan. The team’s journey begins in Chicago, but thanks to Nationals.TV, the excitement is just a click—or a channel—away for everyone in the D.C. area and beyond.