Opening Day 2026 brought a major shift in how Tampa Bay Rays fans watch their team. With the launch of Rays.TV, viewers now enjoy a broadcast experience that meets the high standards set by Major League Baseball when it took over production for the Padres and Diamondbacks back two years ago. Rays fans benefit from network-quality broadcasts featuring more cameras, dynamic replays from multiple angles, and advanced graphics—hallmarks of the new MLB.TV production team. This transformation follows MLB’s acquisition of local broadcast rights from 14 franchises after the collapse of the Main Street Sports Group, which previously operated under the FanDuel Sports Networks banner.
Bregman ends 0-for-13 slump with 3 hits as the Cubs beat the Rays 9-2
Hearst Television joins the Rays with a statewide over-the-air package
The Rays also started a new partnership with Hearst Television. WMOR-TV, channel 32 in Tampa, carried the opening-day broadcast and began a season-long relationship with the club. The agreement calls for WMOR to air nine more games this season. Hearst expanded the reach by placing Rays games on stations in four Florida markets. WESH-TV and WKCF-TV/CW18 in Orlando, the MeTV channel of WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, and WBBH-TV, WZVN-TV, and the H&I multicast channel in Fort Myers-Naples will carry a total of ten games.
Major League Baseball has made it a priority to secure a local over-the-air broadcast partner for each team under its production umbrella. The goal is to ensure that fans in every market have access to a package of free baseball games. For the Rays, the new partnership with Hearst provides a strong statewide platform, boosting interest in the team and encouraging more fans to subscribe directly to the Rays.TV for an enhanced viewing experience.
This lineup gives the Rays a true statewide presence. Fans in Central and South Florida can now watch the team with a simple antenna.
Fans now enjoy better access on cable, satellite, and streaming
Rays.TV works as a direct-to-consumer option for fans who want flexibility. Cable and satellite viewers still see every game. Over-the-air viewers now have a free option for ten games. The combination gives the Rays accessibility that Major League Baseball wants for the team.
Month‑to‑Month Look at the Rays’ Over‑the‑Air Schedule
The Rays and Hearst Television built a month‑to‑month schedule that gives fans a clear path to free, over‑the‑air baseball throughout the 2026 season. The coverage begins in April when the Rays host Minnesota on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m., with the game airing on WMOR, WESH 2, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast H&I channel. The schedule moves into May with two games, starting on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. when the Rays travel to Boston, carried on WMOR, WESH 2, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast ABC station.
The Rays then head to New York on Sunday, May 24 for a 1:30 p.m. matchup with the Yankees, airing on WMOR, CW18, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast NBC affiliate. June features two more broadcasts, beginning on Friday, June 5 at 7 p.m. when the Rays visit Miami, with coverage on WMOR, WESH 2, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast H&I channel.
The Rays return home on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m. to face Washington, with the game airing on WMOR, WESH 2, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast H&I channel. July brings two more games to the statewide lineup, starting on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. when the Rays travel to Boston, with coverage on WMOR, WESH 2, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast ABC station.
The Rays then head to Toronto on Thursday, July 23, for a 3 p.m. game that airs on WMOR, CW18, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast ABC station. August closes the package with two West Coast games, beginning on Sunday, August 9, at 4 p.m., when the Rays face Seattle, airing on WMOR, CW18, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast ABC station. The final game in the package arrives on Wednesday, August 12, at 3 p.m. when the Rays meet the Athletics, with coverage on WMOR, CW18, WPBF’s MeTV, and the Gulf Coast ABC station.
