A “restricted” message in the MLB app or MLB.TV usually means the live game is unavailable where you are because of geographic blackout rules or an exclusive broadcast right. Check the game and your ZIP code on MLB’s availability tools, then use the authorized local or national broadcast option for that game. A restriction does not necessarily mean your subscription or app is broken.
Why MLB says a game is restricted
Blackouts follow your location, not just the teams’ locations
MLB says blackout rules are geographic and apply according to your physical location, which may be determined using available factors including your IP address. MLB does not publish the full technical method, so an IP address should not be treated as the only factor. See MLB’s live-stream and restriction information and its MLB.TV package details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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MLB | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Franklin Sports MLB Pitching Machine | $34.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Rawlings 2022 MLB Official All-Star Game Baseball in Box - Los Angeles, CA. | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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A team’s home television territory can restrict its games whether the team is playing at home or away, and even if the game is not televised in that territory. MLB also notes that some U.S. teams’ territories extend beyond the United States; it specifically lists Guam as a blackout area for all San Francisco Giants and Athletics live games. Check the particular game and location rather than assuming every game is treated the same.
Some games have national or event-specific exclusivity
Separate from local territory rules, select regular-season, special-event, and postseason games may be unavailable on MLB.TV because of league broadcast exclusivities. MLB’s 2026 postseason availability listing gives event-specific examples: listed Wild Card Series games on NBC/Peacock are unavailable in the United States and available internationally except Canada; listed FOX and TBS postseason games show U.S. availability through MVPD authentication and international availability except Canada. Those examples apply to the listed events, not automatically to every game.
#1 Best Overall
- Watch in-game highlights (No blackout restrictions; no subscription required)
- Listen to Home, Away and Spanish-language (where available) radio broadcasts (MLB Audio subscription required)
- Live controls to pause and rewind live video
- Enhanced Gameday pitch-by-pitch features, including realistic ballpark renderings from all 30 MLB parks
- Breaking news, schedules, interactive rosters and player stats for every team
How to check a specific game
- Confirm the game and date. Check MLB’s live-game schedule and availability page or its event-specific support listing. National and postseason rights can vary by game.
- Check your ZIP code. Use the ZIP-code restriction lookup on MLB’s live-stream page. It is a practical check for local restrictions, though it does not disclose every technical factor used to determine location.
- Identify the rights-holder for your area. Consult MLB’s 2026 team viewing guide for team-level local streaming, broadcast, and radio options. Check the selected service’s current coverage and terms for your location and that game.
- Check for an authorized national broadcast route. For games listed with an authentication requirement, follow the relevant broadcaster’s access requirements. Do not assume an authentication option applies to games not listed that way.
Ways to follow the game when live video is blocked
| Option | When it may fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Local team stream or broadcaster | The game is subject to a local territory restriction and an authorized local option carries it. | That the service covers your location, team, and particular game. |
| National broadcaster | The game has a national or event-specific broadcast listing. | The broadcaster and any authentication or subscription requirements for that game. |
| MLB.TV | You are eligible to watch the game as an out-of-market viewer and no other applicable exclusion blocks it. | Current game availability and package terms; MLB.TV is subject to restrictions. |
| Live audio | Video is unavailable but audio is available for the game. | MLB says live audio for unavailable games is available to MLB+ customers and that MLB+ is included with MLB.TV subscriptions; verify current package terms. |
| Postgame archive | You can watch after the game concludes rather than live. | MLB says archives become available 90 minutes after games conclude on its live-stream page. |
MLB’s guide dated July 15, 2026, says all 30 clubs had a direct-to-consumer streaming option available in 2026 and that 14 teams added a new DTC option during the offseason. Those figures describe the guide’s 2026 landscape; they do not guarantee that a particular service carries every game or is available in every location.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the restriction looks wrong
If MLB’s lookup or app appears to place you in the wrong territory, contact MLB customer service rather than assuming the message can be fixed by changing devices or connection settings. MLB lists 866-244-2291 for callers in the United States and 315-203-6761 for international callers on its live-stream help page. Have the game, date, and your actual location available when you contact support.
Rank #2
- 7 SECOND PITCHES: This electronic pitching machine for kids is a great way to encourage them to practice batting skills; The ball pitches every 7 seconds for improved accuracy and precision on the field; Assembled height 7.75 x 9.5 x 9.875 inches
- FLASHING LIGHT INDICATOR: A flashing red indicator light shows when the ball pitches, making it easy to prepare in your baseball stance; You get all the fun of a batting cage right in the comfort of your own backyard
- ANGLE ADJUSTMENTS: The angle of your pitch is adjustable, making it a perfect training tool for developing young athletes; Perfect for practicing multiple batting angles and pitch styles!
- SIX BALLS INCLUDED: This batting machine includes six white aero strike baseballs; You should not use regulation baseballs or tee balls with this baseball machine – only use the balls included; The ball shoot can hold up to 9 balls
- IMPROVE BATTING PERFORMANCE: Your child should ideally use a plastic baseball bat with this pitching machine; There’s no better kids’ baseball pitching machine to help grow and improve your batting skills!
A VPN or location-spoofing tool is not an authorized solution established by MLB’s published guidance. The restriction reflects location and broadcast rights; use MLB’s lookup, its customer service, or the broadcaster authorized for your area.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Brand New in box
- Official 2022 All Star Game Baseball
- Made by Rawlings
- Model ASBB22
- Arrives New in Rawlings Collectors Box
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
