If you’re sitting on your couch right now wondering what channel is the diamondbacks game on tonight, I have some news that might be a little frustrating if you were hoping to see Corbin Carroll or Ketel Marte taking hacks today. It is January 16, 2026. Unless the D-backs have suddenly joined a winter league in the Caribbean that I don't know about, there is no game tonight. We are deep in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season.
Basically, the boys are still about a month out from reporting to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for Spring Training. But don't click away yet. The 2026 season is going to look wildly different for Arizona fans because the way we watch the games has undergone a massive overhaul. If you try to find the game on the same channel you used two years ago, you're going to be staring at a blank screen or a rerun of a cooking show.
Where the Diamondbacks Go When the Lights Turn On
So, when the season actually starts on March 26, 2026, against the Dodgers, where do you go? The old "Bally Sports" era is officially a ghost. In late 2025, a massive shift happened in MLB broadcasting. For 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the core teams whose in-market streaming rights have been swallowed up by ESPN.
What does that mean for your remote? It means most nights you’ll be looking for D-backs.TV. This is the team’s direct-to-consumer platform that MLB started running after the regional sports network (RSN) collapse. You can usually find this via the MLB app, but because of the new deal, it’s also getting tucked into the ESPN+ ecosystem for local fans. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess to keep track of, but the "channel" is basically an app now.
The Big National TV Shakeup
If you’re looking for the game on a "real" channel—like the ones that come through a wire in your wall—the 2026 schedule has some specific dates you need to circle.
- NBC and Peacock: These guys are the new heavy hitters. In fact, the D-backs’ season opener on March 26 is going to be the national primetime showcase on NBC.
- MLB Network: They still carry a ton of games, but they’re almost always blacked out if you live in the Phoenix valley. It's the most annoying rule in sports, let's be real.
- Fox and FS1: You’ll still see the occasional Saturday afternoon game here, especially when the D-backs play big-market teams like the Mets or Phillies.
What about tonight, specifically?
Since there’s no live action tonight, January 16, your best bet for Diamondbacks content is MLB Network. They usually run "MLB Tonight" or "Hot Stove" segments this time of year. Just today, news broke that the D-backs signed veteran reliever Taylor Clarke after the Royals declined his arbitration. If you want the scoop on that, MLB Network or local Arizona sports radio (98.7 KMVP-FM) is where the conversation is happening.
Why the "Channel" Keeps Changing
You've probably noticed it's getting harder to just "turn on the game." That's because the Diamondbacks are part of a group of six teams (including the Padres and Rockies) that MLB is using as a test case for a post-cable world.
Last year, you might have watched on YurView or a specific cable tier. This year, the focus is almost entirely on D-backs.TV. For about $19.99 a month (though prices might fluctuate by the time Opening Day hits), you can stream every game without a cable subscription. It’s great for cord-cutters, but it sucks for people who just want everything in one spot on their cable box.
Actionable Steps for D-backs Fans
Since you can't watch a game tonight, you should probably get your tech ready for the March 26 opener.
👉 See also: The Hall of Fame Game Explained: Why the NFL's Messiest Preseason Opener Still Matters
First, check if your current TV provider still carries the local MLB feed—many shifted to "YurView" or a specialized local channel. If they don't, you'll need to look into the D-backs.TV subscription through the MLB app or check if your ESPN+ login will cover in-market games under the new 2026 agreement.
Second, if you're planning on catching a game in person, tickets for Spring Training at Salt River Fields are already on sale. Those games start February 20, 2026, against the Rockies. Watching them in the Scottsdale sun is way better than trying to find a channel in January anyway.
Lastly, keep an eye on the roster moves. The Nolan Arenado trade rumors were the talk of the town earlier this winter, and the front office is still tinkering with the bullpen. By the time you’re actually looking for what channel is the diamondbacks game on tonight in April, this team might look a lot different than the one that walked off the field last October.