Phillies vs Cubs Today: How to Watch, Stream & TV Channel

The Philadelphia Phillies wrap up a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 23, 2026, with first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET. Whether you're a die-hard Phillies fan scrambling to catch the conclusion of this series, a Cubs faithful settling in for a classic afternoon at the Friendly Confines, or a casual baseball fan wanting to watch left-hander Cristopher Sanchez (2-2, 1.59 ERA) face off against right-hander Edward Cabrera (2-0, 2.38 ERA), you have more ways than ever to tune in — and more confusion than ever about which option actually works.

Not every streaming service carries every regional sports network. Not every cable package includes the right channels. And "it's on Peacock" sounds simple until you realize there are three tiers of Peacock. This guide breaks down every legitimate way to watch today's Phillies-Cubs game, ranks them by value and ease of use, and tells you which option makes the most sense depending on your situation. Sources include Yahoo Sports and MSN Sports.

1. FuboTV — Best Overall for Sports Fans

Price: Starting around $84.99/month | Best for: Cord-cutters who want the broadest sports coverage

FuboTV Subscription

What You Get

FuboTV is the gold standard for cord-cutters who don't want to miss a single pitch. It carries NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCSP), which is exactly the channel broadcasting today's Phillies-Cubs series finale. For Philadelphia-market subscribers, the game is a straightforward watch — no workarounds, no add-ons, no extra fees beyond the base subscription.

Pros

• Carries NBCSP for Phillies regional broadcasts throughout the season
• Cloud DVR included (up to 1,000 hours on most plans)
• Supports up to 10 simultaneous streams on the highest tier
• Strong 4K and HD stream quality for live sports
• Free trial available for new subscribers

Cons

• One of the pricier live TV streaming services on the market
• Regional sports network availability depends on your billing address
• Interface can feel cluttered with hundreds of channels you'll never use

Bottom line on FuboTV: If you're a Phillies season-long fan who watches more than a handful of games and doesn't have cable, this is your best investment. The math works out — you get NBCSP, national sports channels, and no hardware required.

---

2. Hulu + Live TV — Best for Households That Already Use Hulu

Price: Starting around $82.99/month | Best for: Entertainment subscribers who want sports added on

Hulu + Live TV Subscription

What You Get

Hulu + Live TV bundles the Hulu on-demand library with a live TV package that includes regional sports networks like NBCSP in the Philadelphia market. Like FuboTV, this is a direct, clean path to today's 2:20 p.m. Phillies-Cubs game without any second-guessing about whether the broadcast is available.

Pros

• NBCSP included for Phillies regional games in the Philadelphia DMA
• Comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost
• Unlimited DVR storage (with some limitations on live event recording windows)
• User-friendly interface, especially for families

Cons

• Price has crept up significantly in recent years
• Ad-supported tier available, but ad-free costs more
• Regional sports availability is not guaranteed in all markets

Bottom line on Hulu + Live TV: If you're already paying for Hulu and want to upgrade for sports, the bundled Disney+/ESPN+ inclusion helps justify the cost. The path to watching today's game is identical to FuboTV — clean, direct, no workarounds.

---

3. YouTube TV — Best Interface and DVR Experience

Price: $72.99/month | Best for: Tech-forward users who prioritize a polished interface

YouTube TV Subscription

What You Get

YouTube TV carries NBCSP in the Philadelphia market, making it a legitimate path to today's Phillies game. Beyond the channel availability, YouTube TV's interface is often cited as the cleanest and most intuitive among live TV streaming services — and its unlimited DVR (with a six-month storage window) is genuinely useful for sports fans who can't always watch live.

Pros

• Cleanest, most intuitive interface of any live TV streaming platform
• Unlimited cloud DVR with six-month storage
• Up to three simultaneous streams on base plan
• Google ecosystem integration (Chromecast, Nest, Android TV)
• Slightly cheaper than FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV

Cons

• Fewer dedicated sports channels than FuboTV
• 4K sports require a premium add-on
• Regional sports availability varies by location

Bottom line on YouTube TV: The most polished experience at the best price point among the three major live TV streaming options. For most fans watching today's Phillies-Cubs series finale, this is the sweet spot of value and usability.

---

4. NBCSP App / NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com — Best Free Option (With a Cable Login)

Price: Free with a qualifying TV subscription | Best for: Cable subscribers who want to watch on mobile or a second screen

NBC Sports Streaming Device

What You Get

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes NBCSP — or if you're already subscribed to one of the live TV streaming services above — you can stream today's game for free through the NBCSP app or nbcsportsphiladelphia.com. This is often the most overlooked option: no extra charge, same broadcast, works on phones, tablets, and laptops.

Pros

• No additional cost beyond your existing TV subscription
• Available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
• Same broadcast quality as the TV channel
• Great for watching away from home (airport, office, gym)

Cons

• Requires an active cable or live TV streaming login to authenticate
• App can be temperamental — especially during high-traffic game days
• Not an independent subscription option; it's an extension of another service

Bottom line on NBCSP app: If you're already paying for any service that includes NBCSP, download this app immediately. It's one of those tools most Phillies fans have on their phones by mid-April anyway.

---

5. Peacock — Best for Budget Streamers (On Specific Dates)

Price: Live Sports plans start at $10.99/month | Best for: Casual fans who want a cheaper, flexible option

Peacock Live Sports Subscription

What You Get

Peacock carries select Phillies games this season, but today's April 23 Phillies-Cubs game is NOT on Peacock — it's on NBCSP. Peacock's Phillies schedule for 2026 includes June 21, July 5, July 26, and September 6. That said, Peacock is worth mentioning here because it's part of the broader streaming picture for Phillies fans planning ahead, and the price point ($10.99/month for the live sports tier) makes it one of the most accessible options available.

Pros

• Cheapest live sports streaming option at $10.99/month
• Carries select MLB games exclusively throughout the season
• Large on-demand library beyond sports (NBC shows, movies, news)
• Available on virtually every device

Cons

• Does NOT carry today's April 23 game — this is NBCSP-only
• Peacock's MLB schedule is limited to specific dates, not a full season package
• Ads on lower tiers can be intrusive during live sports

Bottom line on Peacock: Not your answer today, but bookmark it for those four specific Phillies dates later in the season. At under $11/month, it's worth keeping subscribed if you're a casual fan who doesn't need a full-season live TV package.

---

6. PHILLIES.TV — Best for the Most Dedicated Phillies Fan Base

Price: Varies by streaming package | Best for: Hardcore Phillies fans who want every game, every broadcast

MLB Streaming Subscription

What You Get

PHILLIES.TV is the team's dedicated streaming service, available for fans with specific streaming packages. It provides access to Phillies regional broadcasts, including today's NBCSP game, for subscribers. This is particularly useful for fans who want an all-in-one Phillies-specific experience rather than navigating a broader live TV service. Radio streams via MLB Audio on 94WIP and WDEL 101.7 FM/1150 AM are also accessible through this ecosystem.

Pros

• Phillies-focused product — everything in one place
• Radio stream access via MLB Audio (94WIP and WDEL 101.7)
• Directly tied to the team's official broadcast infrastructure
• Good option for fans who primarily want Phillies content, not a broader sports package

Cons

• Less flexible than a full live TV service for non-Phillies content
• Requires understanding which package tier includes live NBCSP broadcasts
• Not ideal for fans who want college sports, NFL, or other non-MLB content

---

7. Apple TV+ and Netflix — Mark Your Calendar for Future Games

Price: Apple TV+ $12.99/month (free trial available); Netflix from $7.99/month | Best for: Planning ahead for marquee games

Apple TV 4K Streaming Device

What You Get

Today's game isn't on Apple TV+ or Netflix, but both platforms have significant Phillies dates coming up. The next Phillies game on Apple TV+ is April 24 at the Atlanta Braves at 7:15 p.m. — that's tomorrow. Apple TV+ costs $12.99/month but offers a free trial, making it easy to sign up and watch a single game without a long-term commitment.

For something truly special, the Phillies' 'Field of Dreams' game against the Minnesota Twins on August 13 at 7:30 p.m. will stream exclusively on Netflix, with plans starting at $7.99/month. That's a bucket-list baseball broadcast — Netflix bringing the cinematic treatment to one of MLB's most unique venues is a genuinely compelling reason to have the service.

Pros

• Apple TV+ offers a free trial — low risk for one-game viewers
• Netflix's Field of Dreams broadcast will likely be a production spectacle
• Both platforms carry MLB content without requiring a full live TV package

Cons

• Neither is relevant for today's April 23 game
• Scheduling can feel fragmented — you need multiple services for a full Phillies season

---

Quick Comparison: All Your Options at a Glance

Service	Works Today (Apr 23)?	Monthly Cost	Best For
FuboTV	Yes (NBCSP)	~$84.99	Hardcore sports fans
Hulu + Live TV	Yes (NBCSP)	~$82.99	Entertainment + sports
YouTube TV	Yes (NBCSP)	~$72.99	Best interface + DVR
NBCSP App (Free)	Yes (with login)	Free	Existing subscribers
Peacock	No	$10.99	Budget, select dates
Apple TV+	No (Apr 24 next)	$12.99	Marquee game viewers
Netflix	No (Aug 13 game)	From $7.99	Field of Dreams game

---

Buying Guide: What Actually Matters When Choosing a Streaming Service for Baseball

Regional Sports Network Access Is Everything

Most Phillies games — including today's — air on NBCSP, a regional sports network. The single most important question to ask before subscribing to any streaming service is: does it carry NBCSP in my billing zip code? FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV all do in the Philadelphia market, but regional availability can change, and the Chicago market has its own RSN considerations for Cubs fans. Always verify your specific zip code on each platform's channel checker before signing up.

Don't Overlook the Free Trial

If today's game is the only reason you're considering subscribing, use a free trial. Apple TV+ has one; FuboTV and YouTube TV have historically offered them as well. Subscribe, watch the game, and cancel before the billing cycle hits if a full subscription doesn't make sense for your viewing habits.

Think Seasonally, Not Game-by-Game

If you're a Phillies fan planning for the whole 2026 season, the fragmented landscape means you'll want a core live TV service (for NBCSP games), plus occasional Peacock access for those four specific dates, and potentially Apple TV+ for the occasional Friday night game. A single service won't cover everything.

Radio Is an Underrated Option

Today's game is available on 94WIP (Philadelphia) and WDEL 101.7 FM / 1150 AM. MLB Audio streams via the MLB app and PHILLIES.TV are worth having in your back pocket, especially for games where video streaming goes sideways. For a 2:20 p.m. afternoon game, radio is genuinely pleasurable — there's a reason people have been listening to baseball on the radio for over a century.

---

Bottom Line: The Clear Winner for Today's Game

For today's April 23 Phillies-Cubs series finale at Wrigley Field, the answer is simple: if you already have FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, use it. Fire up NBCSP, settle in before the 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch, and watch Cristopher Sanchez try to close out a strong series against a Cubs team with Edward Cabrera rolling at 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA.

If you don't have any of those services and this is a one-game situation, check whether you have an existing cable or satellite login and use the NBCSP app for free. If you need to sign up fresh, YouTube TV offers the best combination of price, interface quality, and DVR functionality for the long haul — and at $72.99/month, it's the most cost-effective of the three major options that carry NBCSP.

Don't subscribe to Peacock for today — it's not on Peacock. Save that subscription for June 21, July 5, July 26, or September 6. And start planning for the Field of Dreams game on August 13 on Netflix — that one is worth the streaming device, the couch time, and the full cinematic experience.

For more on the MLB and streaming landscape this spring, see our coverage of Yasiel Puig's return to sports and the latest in sports broadcasting deals.

---

FAQ: Watching Phillies vs. Cubs

What channel is the Phillies-Cubs game on today?

Today's April 23 series finale at Wrigley Field is broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCSP). First pitch is at 2:20 p.m. ET. Radio coverage is on 94WIP (Philadelphia) and WDEL 101.7 FM / 1150 AM. Full broadcast and streaming details are confirmed via Yahoo Sports.

Can I watch without cable?

Yes. FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV all carry NBCSP in the Philadelphia market and don't require a traditional cable subscription. You can also stream directly through nbcsportsphiladelphia.com or the NBCSP app if you authenticate with one of those streaming service logins.

Is the game on Peacock or Netflix?

No. Today's game is exclusively on NBCSP. Peacock carries select Phillies games on June 21, July 5, July 26, and September 6. The Netflix exclusive is the Field of Dreams game on August 13 against the Minnesota Twins.

Who are the starting pitchers today?

The Phillies start left-hander Cristopher Sanchez (2-2, 1.59 ERA). The Cubs counter with right-hander Edward Cabrera (2-0, 2.38 ERA). Full pregame details are available at ESPN's pregame preview and the official Phillies lineup announcement.