MLB lists TBS, truTV and HBO Max for the opener. Official game preview.
Open TBS live viewing ↗Before you settle in for first pitch, check two things: the start time for the game you want and whether your existing subscription gives you access. Those are separate questions, and a little preparation beats sorting out a sign-in screen after the game starts.
The ALCS schedule at a glance
| Game | Date | ET | CT | PT | Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct. 12 | 8 p.m. | 7 p.m. | 5 p.m. | TB |
| 2 | Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | 7 p.m. | 5 p.m. | TB |
| 3 | Oct. 15 | 6 p.m. | 5 p.m. | 3 p.m. | CLE |
| 4 | Oct. 16 | 6 p.m. | 5 p.m. | 3 p.m. | CLE |
| 5* | Oct. 17 | 8 p.m. | 7 p.m. | 5 p.m. | CLE |
| 6* | Oct. 19 | 5 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 2 p.m. | TB |
| 7* | Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | 7 p.m. | 5 p.m. | TB |
*If needed. TB = Tampa Bay; CLE = Cleveland. Dates and Eastern listings checked against MLB’s official schedule and NBC Sports’ schedule. Central and Pacific times are our conversions. Listings can change, so reopen the official schedule before a later game.
Which viewing route fits what you already have?
| Your route | What you need | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| TBS online | A participating TV provider with TBS in your package; sign in using that provider. | TBS live page ↗ |
| HBO Max | Sports access through a Standard or Premium plan. Availability can depend on your subscription provider and location. | Official sports guide ↗ |
| MLB.TV | Eligible subscription plus participating pay-TV authentication for selected US postseason games. | Postseason access rules ↗ |
TBS conditions: official sign-in help. HBO Max conditions: official sports help.
Start with the service you already pay for. If your TV package includes the channel, try its live guide or the network sign-in before buying another subscription. If you’re considering HBO Max, look at the plan name on your account—not just whether the app is installed.
HBO Max directs viewers to Sports for live and upcoming events. Its help page also lists location restrictions, including no MLB postseason coverage in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico or the Northern Mariana Islands. Read the location conditions.
What does “if needed” mean for your plans?
The starred rows are conditional. If you’re inviting friends over for one of them, keep the plan flexible and check that the game remains on the schedule before shopping or arranging travel. A calendar listing is useful for planning; it isn’t proof that every listed game will take place.
Can you watch outside the US?
This guide covers US access. A time conversion tells you when first pitch happens, but it doesn’t tell you which service owns the rights where you live. Use your local sports provider’s event listing before subscribing. The US viewing options above should not be treated as a worldwide access promise.
A quick check before game time
- Pick the correct row. Later games do not all use the opener’s start time.
- Open the event on your viewing device. Finish any account or TV-provider sign-in early.
- Confirm the listing again for a conditional game. Add a reminder for yourself rather than assuming the whole series will use one repeating time.
Sources & updates
Checked October 12, 2026, before Game 1. Eastern listings were cross-checked; Pacific times are calculated by Next Up Guide. Viewing requirements apply to the named services and US region. Both photographs are original AI-generated editorial illustrations.
