Baseball fans often ask one of the most common questions during the MLB season: where to watch Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals. These two legendary National League Central rivals are more than just opponents on the field; their matchups carry history, tradition, and passionate fan bases across the United States and globally. With the 2025 MLB season in full swing, finding reliable, legal, and affordable ways to stream or watch these games has become crucial for fans who don’t want to miss a single inning.

This article explores all the available options for watching Cubs vs Cardinals games, including television broadcasts, streaming services, radio options, and international viewing platforms. It also highlights practical tips, recent trends, and real-life examples of how fans are catching the action in 2025. By the end, you’ll know exactly where and how to tune in, whether you are at home, on the go, or abroad.

Why the Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals Rivalry Matters

The rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is one of Major League Baseball’s most historic. Both teams are part of the National League Central Division and have been playing each other for over a century. Their rivalry is often compared to Yankees vs Red Sox in terms of passion and competitiveness.

The Cardinals have historically been one of the most successful franchises, boasting 11 World Series titles, the second-most in MLB history. The Cubs, after famously breaking their 108-year championship drought with the 2016 World Series, continue to carry one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. Every matchup between these two teams draws attention not just in the Midwest but nationwide.

This significance is why so many fans actively search for reliable ways to watch their matchups live.

How to Watch Cubs vs Cardinals in 2025

As of the 2025 season, fans have several options to watch the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals battle it out. These include national and regional TV broadcasts, dedicated streaming services, and even radio broadcasts for those who prefer the traditional experience.

National TV Broadcasts

Nationally televised games are available on major sports networks. According to Major League Baseball’s official broadcasting partners, games may air on:

• ESPN
  
• FOX Sports (including Saturday Baseball)
  
• TBS (Sunday Baseball)
  
• MLB Network
  

These outlets usually showcase marquee matchups, and Cubs vs Cardinals games are often selected due to their rivalry status.

Regional Sports Networks

For local fans, regional sports networks (RSNs) remain a primary way to watch:

• Marquee Sports Network covers Chicago Cubs games in the Chicago market.
  
• Bally Sports Midwest broadcasts St. Louis Cardinals games across the Midwest.
  

Blackout restrictions may apply, meaning fans outside the local viewing areas might need streaming alternatives.

MLB.TV Streaming

MLB.TV is one of the most popular options for fans outside local markets. It allows subscribers to watch nearly every out-of-market game live or on-demand. While blackout restrictions affect local games, MLB.TV is ideal for fans living outside Illinois, Missouri, or nearby states.

Real-life example: A Cubs fan living in Texas who doesn’t have Marquee Sports Network can subscribe to MLB.TV to watch Cubs vs Cardinals games without missing a pitch.

Streaming Services with Sports Packages

As of 2025, several streaming platforms offer live access to MLB broadcasts:

• FuboTV: Known for its sports-first approach, offering ESPN, FOX, and MLB Network.
  
• Hulu + Live TV: Combines live sports with access to ESPN+ and Disney+.
  
• YouTube TV: Provides FOX, ESPN, TBS, and other major sports channels.
  
• Sling TV: A budget-friendly option with customizable sports packages.
  

These services are perfect for cord-cutters who no longer rely on traditional cable TV.

Radio Broadcasts

Radio remains a timeless way to enjoy baseball. Fans can listen to:

• 670 The Score (Chicago Cubs Radio Network)
  
• KMOX 1120 AM (St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network)
  

Additionally, MLB Audio (available through MLB.TV subscriptions) allows fans to stream radio broadcasts nationwide.

International Viewing Options

Cubs vs Cardinals games are not just popular in the U.S.; they also attract global audiences. MLB has steadily expanded its international reach, and in 2025, fans outside the U.S. have several options:

• MLB.TV is available worldwide with select blackout restrictions removed.
  
• In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) broadcasts select MLB games.
  
• In Latin America, ESPN Deportes carries many games, including key rivalry matchups.
  
• Japan and South Korea also enjoy coverage through dedicated MLB broadcasting partners.
  

This global reach ensures fans worldwide can follow the rivalry.

Recent Trends in Watching MLB Games (2025 Update)

The way fans watch Cubs vs Cardinals games has changed significantly over the years. In 2025, several trends dominate:

Rise of streaming: More fans are cutting the cord and relying on streaming platforms rather than cable.

Mobile-first viewing: Apps like MLB At Bat and MLB.TV are optimized for smartphones, allowing fans to watch games anywhere.

Social media highlights: Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok deliver real-time highlights and stats, complementing live broadcasts.

Personalized experiences: MLB.TV now offers features like customizable camera angles and interactive stats overlays.

Growth of sports betting: With legalized sports betting expanding across states, many broadcasts integrate live odds and analysis.

Practical Tips for Watching Cubs vs Cardinals Games

Finding the right option can feel overwhelming, but these practical strategies make it easier:

Always check your location for blackout restrictions before subscribing to MLB.TV.

If you’re traveling abroad, ensure your streaming service works internationally or consider a legal VPN service.

Compare streaming services during free trial periods before committing.

If you prefer traditional TV, ensure your cable or satellite package includes regional sports networks.

For cost savings, many fans combine MLB.TV with a streaming service to maximize coverage.

Real-Life Examples of Fans Watching in 2025

A Cardinals fan in Los Angeles subscribes to MLB.TV because Bally Sports Midwest is unavailable locally.

A Chicago native living in London watches Cubs vs Cardinals through TNT Sports while using MLB.TV for non-national games.

A family in Chicago enjoys Cubs games on Marquee Sports Network but uses ESPN+ for nationally televised rivalry games.

These examples highlight how versatile viewing options have become.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Cubs vs Cardinals games for free?

Some nationally televised games may air on free-to-air channels like FOX. Additionally, most streaming platforms offer free trial periods, which can be used to watch games temporarily.

Do blackout restrictions apply to Cubs vs Cardinals games?

Yes, if you are within the local viewing regions of Chicago or St. Louis, MLB.TV will blackout games that air on Marquee Sports Network or Bally Sports Midwest.

What is the cheapest way to watch Cubs vs Cardinals games?

Sling TV often provides the most budget-friendly option for national broadcasts. For local fans, traditional cable packages with Marquee or Bally Sports may still be cheaper.

Can I listen to Cubs vs Cardinals games on the radio?

Yes, 670 The Score in Chicago and KMOX 1120 AM in St. Louis are the flagship stations, and MLB Audio allows nationwide streaming of broadcasts.

Are Cubs vs Cardinals games available internationally?

Yes, MLB.TV and various global broadcasters such as TNT Sports (UK) and ESPN Deportes (Latin America) provide international coverage.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals rivalry is one of the greatest spectacles in Major League Baseball. In 2025, fans have more ways than ever to watch or listen, from traditional TV to cutting-edge streaming platforms. Whether you’re in Chicago, St. Louis, or halfway across the globe, there’s always a reliable option to follow this historic rivalry. Choosing the right method depends on your location, budget, and preferences, but with the range of services available, missing out is no longer a concern.

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