2026 Washington Nationals Schedule: The “$99 Media Solution” and How to Watch – Sports Brackets
The Washington Nationals opened the 2026 season on March 26 and are currently 3-4 following an opening homestand loss to the Dodgers. For fans in the DMV, the new way to watch is Nationals.TV, a direct-to-consumer streaming service available for $99.99 per season or $19.99 per month. This service provides blackout-free access to all local broadcasts via the MLB App, solving the long-standing cable accessibility issues for Nats fans.
Download the 2026 Washington Nationals Printable Schedule PDF
April 2026 Washington Nationals Schedule & Results
The Nats began the 2026 schedule with a high-scoring series in Chicago and a dominant 13-2 win in Philly. Here is the breakdown:
| Date | Opponent | Result / Time (ET) | Venue |
| Mar 26 | @ Chicago (Cubs) | W, 10-4 | Wrigley Field |
| Mar 28 | @ Chicago (Cubs) | L, 2-10 | Wrigley Field |
| Mar 29 | @ Chicago (Cubs) | W, 6-3 | Wrigley Field |
| Mar 30 | @ Philadelphia | W, 13-2 | Citizens Bank Park |
| Mar 31 | @ Philadelphia | L, 2-3 | Citizens Bank Park |
| Apr 1 | @ Philadelphia | L, 5-6 | Citizens Bank Park |
| Apr 3 | vs. LA Dodgers | L, 6-13 | Nationals Park (Home Opener) |
| Apr 4 | vs. LA Dodgers | 4:05 PM | Nationals Park |
| Apr 5 | vs. LA Dodgers | 1:35 PM | Nationals Park |
| Apr 6 | vs. St. Louis | 6:45 PM | Nationals Park |
[FREE DOWNLOAD] 2026 Washington Nationals Printable Schedule (PDF)
Keep the 2026 season at your fingertips. Our high-resolution printable schedule is updated for the April home stand and includes all confirmed TV networks and holiday start times.
How to Watch: The “$99 Media Solution”
For years, Nats fans were tethered to traditional cable to watch MASN. In 2026, Major League Baseball has taken over the production and distribution under the brand Nationals.TV.
- Nationals.TV (The “Problem Solver”): In-market fans can now stream every locally distributed game without a cable subscription. The cost is $99.99 for the season or $19.99 per month.
- Free Over-the-Air (OTA): In a major win for local access, the Nationals partnered with WTTG FOX 5 and Gray Media to simulcast 10 regular-season games for free over-the-air in the D.C. area.
- Cable/Satellite: Nationals.TV remains available on traditional providers:
- DirecTV: Channel 641
- Xfinity/Comcast: Channel 1261
- Verizon FiOS: Channel 579
- National TV: Watch for the Nats on Apple TV+, ESPN, and FS1 for select exclusive windows.
MLB Resources & Internal Links
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Nationals Schedule
How much does Nationals.TV cost?
The seasonal package is $99.99, while the monthly option is $19.99. This provides live, blackout-free streaming for fans within the Washington D.C. home television territory.
Can I watch the Nationals for free in 2026?
Yes. Through a new partnership with FOX 5 (WTTG), 10 regular-season games will be broadcast for free over-the-air. Additionally, select games are occasionally featured as the “Free Game of the Day” on MLB.TV.
Who was the Nationals’ 2026 Opening Day starter?
Right-hander Cade Cavalli officially earned the Opening Day start on March 26, marking a significant milestone in his return to the rotation.
Does Nationals.TV replace MASN?
Yes. Locally distributed Nationals games are now produced by MLB and branded as Nationals.TV starting with the 2026 season.
