If you’re a sports fan and thinking about cutting the cord, you’ve probably looked into YouTube TV. It’s one of the most popular live TV streaming services. With tons of channels, a user-friendly interface, and unlimited cloud DVR, it’s easy to see why. But if you’re hoping to watch your local teams on Bally Sports, you may hit a roadblock.
TL;DR: Bally Sports channels are not available on YouTube TV. They were dropped due to a contract disagreement. If you want to watch local sports from Bally, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Keep reading to discover other options and what led to the change.
What Is Bally Sports Anyway?
Bally Sports is a group of regional sports networks (RSNs). They show tons of live games, replays, and local team coverage. If you’re into MLB, NBA, or NHL, chances are your favorite team is on a Bally channel.
Here’s what Bally Sports usually covers:
- MLB games for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves
- NBA games for teams like the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers
- NHL games for teams like the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild
- College sports and local high school games
Bally Sports is big on regional coverage. That means what you see on Bally Sports South could be different from Bally Sports Midwest or Bally Sports West.
So, Does YouTube TV Have Bally Sports?
Nope. YouTube TV does not carry Bally Sports channels.
In fact, YouTube TV used to offer them. But in 2020, everything changed. YouTube TV and Sinclair Broadcast Group (the owner of Bally Sports) had a falling out. They couldn’t agree on a fair price.
When the contract negotiations broke down, YouTube TV dropped the channels. Since then, they haven’t returned. It was a big disappointment for fans who relied on YouTube TV for their local sports fix.
Why Did YouTube TV Drop Bally Sports?
There are a few key reasons why YouTube TV decided to pull Bally Sports:
- High carriage fees: Bally Sports wanted too much money per subscriber.
- Limited audience: Only users in certain regions actually watch these channels.
- Cost vs. value: YouTube TV didn’t think it made financial sense to keep the channels for everyone.
Long story short—it came down to money. YouTube didn’t want to raise the price of its service for something not everyone uses.
Can That Change in the Future?
Possibly, but don’t count on it anytime soon.
There have been no signs of a new agreement between YouTube TV and Bally Sports. Plus, Bally’s parent company, Diamond Sports Group, filed for bankruptcy in 2023. That added more uncertainty.
Unless something big changes, Bally Sports channels probably won’t be coming back to YouTube TV.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you need your Bally Sports fix, you’ve got options. Here are a few ways you can still watch your favorite teams:
1. Bally Sports+
This is Bally’s own streaming service. You don’t need cable or a live TV subscription. It lets you watch live games and replays from your local Bally Sports channel.
Pros:
- Direct access to Bally content
- Available on most devices (Roku, Apple TV, mobile apps, etc.)
- No massive cable bill
Cons:
- Not every market is supported
- Subscription cost is around $20/month
- No national networks (ESPN, TBS, etc.)—just Bally content
2. DIRECTV STREAM
Formerly AT&T TV, DIRECTV STREAM is the only major streaming service that still offers Bally Sports.
Pros:
- Full access to Bally regional networks
- Includes other channels like ESPN, TNT, and FS1
- Cloud DVR and mobile access
Cons:
- More expensive—starts around $100/month to get the “Choice” package with Bally
- Long-term availability is still uncertain
3. Traditional Cable or Satellite
If streaming’s not mandatory for you, you can still go old-school. Most cable and satellite providers carry Bally Sports channels in the correct regions.
It’s pricier, but you’ll be able to watch your home team without jumping through hoops.
Is It Still Worth Having YouTube TV Without Bally Sports?
Absolutely—if you don’t mind missing local broadcasts from Bally.
YouTube TV shines in many other areas:
- 85+ channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC
- Unlimited DVR with recordings stored for 9 months
- Smooth interface and easy-to-use mobile/TV apps
- Add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass
While Bally Sports fans might be frustrated, many national games air on ESPN, TNT, or broadcast networks. You still get a lot of sports—just not the local ones from Bally.
What About VPN Workarounds?
Using a VPN to “fake” your location won’t help bring back Bally Sports to YouTube TV. These channels are not available anywhere on the platform—no matter the location. A VPN won’t solve the problem.
But if you subscribe to a service like Bally Sports+ and travel, a VPN can help you access your home region’s coverage. Always make sure you’re following the terms of service, though!
Final Thoughts
It’s a bummer that YouTube TV doesn’t offer Bally Sports. For fans of local teams, that’s a big gap. But it’s not the end of the game!
Here’s the simple breakdown again:
- YouTube TV does not have Bally Sports
- The channels were dropped in 2020 due to pricing disputes
- You can still watch Bally Sports via DIRECTV STREAM or Bally Sports+
- YouTube TV is great—but not perfect—if you love local sports
Keep an eye on the industry. Things can change fast. New deals, new platforms, or maybe a Bally comeback could shake up the game again.
Until then, pick the service that offers your favorite teams. Because when it comes to sports, watching live matters!