How to Watch Kansas City Royals Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Kansas City Royals have a passionate fan base, drawn to their rich history and recent competitive revival. From George Brett’s legendary tenure to the 2015 championship, the Royals offer excitement that fans want to experience live. However, navigating the complex landscape of sports broadcasting can be challenging due to regional restrictions, multiple platforms, and varying costs. This guide simplifies the process, covering traditional TV, streaming services, OTA options, and radio broadcasts. By understanding these methods, you can choose the best way to follow the Royals in the 2025 season and beyond.

Watching Royals Games on Television

Television remains a primary way to enjoy Royals games, offering high-quality broadcasts and immersive commentary. Most games are aired on FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City (FDSNKC), the team’s regional sports network, with some games broadcast nationally.

FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City (FDSNKC)

FDSNKC, formerly Bally Sports Kansas City, is the go-to channel for Royals fans in the team’s television territory, which includes Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The network provides comprehensive coverage, including pre-game shows, live play-by-play, and post-game analysis featuring broadcasters like Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler.

TV Providers Carrying FDSNKC

FDSNKC is available through several cable and satellite providers. Here’s a list of common providers:

To find the exact channel number, visit getmyhometeams.com and enter your zip code. For fans in Arkansas and Oklahoma, FDSNKC may be available as FanDuel Sports Network Southwest or an alternate channel (e.g., DIRECTV channel 671-5, Cox channel 2078 in Arkansas).

National Broadcasts

Some Royals games are televised nationally, preempting FDSNKC broadcasts. These games are typically high-profile matchups or part of special MLB events. Networks include:

• FOX: Airs Saturday afternoon/evening games and select Thursday night games.

• ESPN: Features Sunday Night Baseball and select weekday games.

• TBS: Broadcasts Tuesday night MLB games.

• FS1: Covers occasional MLB games, especially during playoffs.

• Apple TV+: Streams Friday Night Baseball, requiring a separate subscription.

Check the Royals’ schedule on MLB.com for national broadcast details, as these games are accessible nationwide but may be blacked out on local streaming platforms.

Streaming Royals Games

Streaming has become a popular way to watch sports, offering flexibility for fans without cable or those on the go. Multiple streaming options cater to both in-market and out-of-market Royals fans.

FDSNKC Direct Subscription

For fans in the Royals’ television territory, FDSNKC offers a direct streaming service, allowing you to watch all locally broadcast Royals games without a cable subscription. The service is accessible on:

• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones/tablets

• Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Roku TV

• Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

• Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari

Subscription options include:

• Monthly Pass: $20/month, ideal for short-term viewing.

• Season Pass: $105.99 for the entire regular season, offering savings for dedicated fans.

This service is cost-effective for those focused solely on Royals games. Download the FDSNKC app or visit fanduelsportsnetwork.com to subscribe.

Streaming Services with FDSNKC

Several live TV streaming platforms include FDSNKC in their channel lineups, providing a broader range of channels alongside Royals games:

• DIRECTV STREAM: Offers FDSNKC in its Choice package ($109/month), with cloud DVR and multi-device streaming.

• FuboTV: Includes FDSNKC in its base package, with extensive sports coverage and unlimited DVR capabilities.

Both services support devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Check app availability for your device before subscribing.

MLB.TV for Out-of-Market Fans

For fans outside the Royals’ television territory, MLB.TV is the premier streaming service for out-of-market MLB games. It offers:

• All Teams Yearly: $149.99, covering all out-of-market MLB games.

• Single Team Yearly: $129.99, focused on Royals games.

MLB.TV can be integrated with platforms like ESPN+, FuboTV, or Amazon Prime Video. However, blackout restrictions apply for nationally broadcast games (e.g., on FOX, ESPN) and in-market games if you’re within the Royals’ territory. Verify restrictions by entering your zip code on MLB.TV.

Streaming National Broadcasts

National games on FOX, ESPN, TBS, or FS1 can be streamed via:

• DIRECTV STREAM: Carries all major networks.

• FuboTV: Includes FOX, ESPN, TBS, FS1.

• YouTube TV: Offers FOX, ESPN, TBS, FS1.

• Hulu + Live TV: Covers FOX, ESPN, TBS, FS1.

• Sling TV: Includes ESPN with the Sling Orange package ($40/month).

Apple TV+ games require a separate subscription ($6.99/month). These platforms support multiple devices, ensuring flexibility for fans.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Viewing

For budget-conscious fans or those without cable/streaming subscriptions, some Royals games are available over the air, requiring only a TV with a digital tuner or an OTA antenna.

Channels for OTA Royals Games

In the Royals’ television territory, select games may air on:

• KCTV: A CBS affiliate broadcasting occasional Royals games.

• KSMO: A CW affiliate that also carries some games.

To access these channels:

1. Connect an OTA antenna to your TV.

2. Perform a channel scan to locate KCTV and KSMO.

3. Enjoy high-definition broadcasts at no monthly cost.

OTA viewing is limited to games selected for local broadcast, so check the Royals’ schedule for availability.

Listening to Royals Games on Radio

Radio broadcasts offer a classic way to follow Royals games, ideal for fans driving, working, or preferring audio commentary.

96.5 The Fan

All Royals games are broadcast on 96.5 The Fan (KCSP), a Kansas City sports radio station. The station provides live play-by-play, with announcers bringing the game to life through vivid descriptions. Listen via:

• Traditional Radio: Tune to 96.5 FM in the Kansas City area.

• Online Streaming: Access the station’s website or app for live streaming.

• Satellite Radio: Some games may be available on SiriusXM’s MLB channels.

This option ensures you stay connected, even without visual access.

Additional Tips for Watching Royals Games

• Check the Schedule: The Royals’ schedule on MLB.com lists game times, opponents, and broadcast details, helping you plan your viewing.

• Blackout Restrictions: Be aware of blackout rules for streaming, especially for national games or if you’re in the Royals’ territory using MLB.TV.

• Device Compatibility: Ensure your streaming service or app is compatible with your device (e.g., Roku, smart TV) before subscribing.

• Free Trials: Services like FuboTV and YouTube TV offer free trials, allowing you to test them before committing.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Royals’ 2025 season promises excitement, and fans have multiple ways to watch every game. From FDSNKC’s local broadcasts to streaming options like MLB.TV and national networks, there’s a solution for every viewer. OTA channels and radio broadcasts on 96.5 The Fan provide additional access, ensuring no fan is left out. By checking the Royals’ schedule and understanding your options, you can enjoy every moment of Royals baseball, whether at home or on the go.

FAQ

What if I don’t have cable or satellite?

You can watch Royals games via FDSNKC’s direct streaming service ($20/month or $105.99/season) or platforms like DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV. Out-of-market fans can use MLB.TV.

Can I watch games on my mobile device?

Yes, FDSNKC’s app, DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, and MLB.TV offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to watch games on smartphones or tablets.

Are there free options to watch Royals games?

Some games are available OTA on KCTV or KSMO with an antenna, requiring no subscription. Radio broadcasts on 96.5 The Fan are also free via traditional radio or online streaming.

How can I watch games while traveling?

In the Royals’ territory, use FDSNKC’s streaming service or your TV provider’s app. Outside the territory, MLB.TV is ideal, but national games may be blacked out.

Can I record Royals games?

Yes, streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV offer cloud DVR, allowing you to record games for later viewing. Some cable providers also include DVR services.

Are games available in high definition?

Most providers, including FDSNKC, DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, and OTA channels, broadcast Royals games in HD, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.