The Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals rivalry is one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and fiercest, drawing millions of fans across the United States and worldwide. In 2025, more fans than ever are asking how and where to watch Cubs vs Cardinals games, whether on TV, through live streaming services, or via radio and in-person experiences. This guide provides a complete, fact-checked breakdown of your viewing options, recent broadcast trends, streaming platforms, real-life examples, and practical tips so you never miss a pitch.
The Rivalry in Context
The late 19th-century rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals is frequently listed as one of the best in professional sports. Both franchises are rich in history, with passionate fan bases and regular battles in the National League Central division. For fans, watching Cubs vs Cardinals is not just about the game but also about tradition, loyalty, and identity.
In 2025, this rivalry continues to dominate MLB schedules, with games broadcast nationally and streamed globally. With media rights constantly evolving, knowing where and how to watch has become as important as the game itself.
Where to Watch on Television in 2025
Local TV Broadcasts
For local fans, Cubs games are primarily broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, while Cardinals games are shown on Bally Sports Midwest. These regional sports networks provide extensive coverage, pre-game shows, and post-game analysis.
National TV Coverage
When Cubs vs Cardinals games are featured nationally, they often air on ESPN, FOX, FS1, or TBS. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN frequently highlights this matchup due to its national appeal. FOX also broadcasts marquee Saturday games, making it another reliable option.
Blackout Restrictions Explained
MLB blackout restrictions still apply in 2025. This means that if you live in a team’s local market, you may not be able to stream the game live on national platforms. Instead, you will need access to the local broadcaster or attend the game in person.
Streaming Options to Watch Cubs vs Cardinals
MLB.TV
The most complete streaming service for baseball lovers is still MLB.TV. It offers live and on-demand broadcasts of all out-of-market games, including Cubs vs Cardinals matchups. However, local blackout restrictions still apply, so local fans may need a VPN or regional channel access.
ESPN+ and FOX Sports App
Games televised nationally on ESPN or FOX can be streamed on ESPN+ or the FOX Sports app, making them accessible on mobile devices, smart TVs, and laptops. These platforms are ideal for fans travelling or without traditional cable subscriptions.
Live TV Streaming Services
Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo carry the major sports channels airing Cubs vs Cardinals games. These options provide flexibility for cord-cutters who want live baseball without traditional cable.
International Viewers
For fans outside the United States, MLB.TV offers the best option without blackout restrictions. Broadcasters like DAZN (Canada), BT Sport (UK), and ESPN Latin America also carry MLB games, including marquee matchups like Cubs vs Cardinals.
Radio Coverage
Radio remains a powerful way for fans to connect with the game, especially while driving or multitasking. Chicago fans can listen on 670 The Score, while Cardinals games are carried on KMOX 1120 AM. Nationally, MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM provides live audio coverage of major matchups.
Attending the Game in Person
For those who prefer the live stadium experience, Wrigley Field in Chicago and Busch Stadium in St. Louis provide unforgettable atmospheres. Tickets can be purchased through MLB’s official website, StubHub, or team websites. Fans often plan road trips to catch rivalry games in both cities, making it a summer tradition.
Practical Tips for Watching Cubs vs Cardinals
Subscriptions and Costs
Check your existing cable or streaming subscriptions before adding new ones. Many fans already have ESPN or FOX included in their packages.
MLB.TV often runs seasonal promotions, especially early in the season or during the All-Star break.
Overcoming Blackouts
Use your local regional sports network (Marquee or Bally Sports Midwest) for in-market games.
Consider a VPN if you are travelling but want to access your home team’s broadcast.
Recording and On-Demand Options
Most streaming platforms now include cloud DVR services, letting fans record games and watch later. This is useful for night games or weekday matchups.
Recent Broadcast Trends in 2025
Streaming Dominance
As of 2025, more than 60% of MLB viewership is happening through digital platforms, according to Sports Business Journal. Cord-cutting continues to rise, pushing networks like FOX and ESPN to prioritise streaming partnerships.
Social Media Highlights
YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok have become major hubs for highlights and fan reactions. MLB has partnered with YouTube for “free game of the week” streams, occasionally featuring rivalry games like Cubs vs Cardinals.
International Growth
Interest in Cubs vs Cardinals extends beyond the US. According to MLB’s 2024 global report, viewership in the UK and Japan for rivalry games increased by 25% year-over-year. Partnerships with broadcasters like DAZN and BT Sport are driving this expansion.
Real-Life Examples
In 2024, ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball featuring Cubs vs Cardinals averaged 2.4 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched regular-season games of the year.
A Chicago family, unable to attend games due to rising ticket prices, shifted to Hulu + Live TV, allowing them to watch games together every weekend.
In St. Louis, local fan clubs often gather at sports bars showing Bally Sports Midwest, turning games into community events.
FAQs
Where can I watch Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals in 2025?
You can watch on Marquee Sports Network (Cubs), Bally Sports Midwest (Cardinals), or nationally on ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS. Streaming is available via MLB.TV, ESPN+, and FOX Sports apps.
Can I stream Cubs vs Cardinals games without cable?
Yes, services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo carry channels broadcasting the games, allowing cord-cutters to watch live.
Are Cubs vs Cardinals games available internationally?
Yes, MLB.TV offers international access without blackouts. Broadcasters like DAZN in Canada and BT Sport in the UK also carry MLB games.
How do blackout restrictions affect Cubs vs Cardinals games?
If you live in the Cubs or Cardinals local market, national streams may be blacked out. You’ll need Marquee Sports Network or Bally Sports Midwest for local access.
Is radio coverage available for Cubs vs Cardinals games?
Yes, Chicago games air on 670 The Score, while Cardinals games are on KMOX 1120 AM. SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio also broadcasts nationally.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to watch Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals in 2025 requires keeping up with evolving broadcast rights, streaming platforms, and blackout rules. Whether you choose traditional TV, streaming, or radio, the key is preparation. Fans worldwide are increasingly turning to digital platforms, making games more accessible than ever. The rivalry remains a cultural touchstone, and no matter where you watch, the intensity of Cubs vs Cardinals ensures an unforgettable experience.
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