Apple TV+ Brings Back Friday Night Baseball in 2026, Impacting Houston Astros Fans

Apple TV+ will continue its exclusive Friday Night Baseball coverage for the 2026 MLB season, extending a streaming partnership that reshapes how fans in Houston watch select games. The renewal means that some Houston Astros matchups will again move off traditional cable and onto the subscription-based platform.

Apple Expands Its MLB Streaming Presence

Major League Baseball confirmed that Apple will keep its Friday night doubleheader package through at least 2026. The deal continues Apple’s push into live sports and keeps MLB among the most visible streaming offerings on the platform.

While the league has not yet released the 2026 broadcast schedule, Friday games involving high-profile teams—like the Astros—often become candidates for national streaming slots. Astros fans should expect at least a small number of games each year to appear exclusively on Apple TV+.

Because these games do not air on regional sports networks, local fans will need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch live. This shift has been common since the package debuted in 2022, but many fans still adjust their viewing plans each year.

Why It Matters for the Houston Astros

The Houston Astros remain one of baseball’s most watched teams, so national streaming platforms often feature their matchups. With Apple TV+ extending its deal, fans could see more Friday games move to the service.

• Some Friday night games will likely be exclusive to Apple TV+, requiring a subscription.
• National broadcasts can increase the Astros’ visibility, especially for younger stars.
• The move reflects MLB’s strategy to reach new audiences through digital platforms.

For local fans, these games may mean adjusting viewing habits each season, especially if marquee matchups fall on Friday nights.

What’s Next for Houston Fans

MLB typically announces national broadcast schedules closer to spring training, so Astros fans will learn which 2026 games land on Apple TV+ early next year. Until then, the team’s games will remain part of a shifting broadcast landscape that mixes regional sports channels with national streaming outlets.

Astros fans who want uninterrupted coverage should consider reviewing their subscription options ahead of each season. As streaming continues to grow, platforms like Apple TV+ are becoming a regular part of the MLB viewing experience.

This article is a summary of reporting by Yardbarker. Read the full story here.