Pros and Cons: How to Watch the Minnesota Twins Without Cable

[Cody Christie]

The television options for watching the Minnesota Twins have narrowed considerably in recent weeks. Here’s an updated look at the pros and cons associated with the remaining alternatives.

Last Wednesday, Bally Sports regional networks went dark for Comcast cable customers, which includes much of the Midwest. Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports, failed to come to an agreement with Comcast, which is offering $8 to $10 a month credits to current subscribers because of the dispute. Now, many Twins fans are searching for a new way to watch the team, especially those who haven’t cut the cord. There are pros and cons to each current option for the Twins in an ever-changing television landscape. 

The two options outlined below are specific to watching Twins games if a person lives within the Twins' market--their broadcast territory, under MLB rules. For MLB’s purposes, the states deemed in-market for the Twins include Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. Click here to read more about out-of-market options if you don't live in one of the states mentioned above.

Option 1: DirecTV Stream
Cost: $123.98/month for the Choice+Sports Pack
Pros: Last week, DirecTV Stream agreed to a multi-year carriage deal with Diamond Sports Group for the Bally Sports Networks, so fans won’t have to worry about making another in-season change during the 2024 campaign. There are also other perks with DirecTV Stream, including local channels, streaming on unlimited devices in your home, and unlimited cloud DVR storage. 

The sports package includes MLB Network and multiple other specialty sports stations, such as the Big Ten Network, NBA TV, and more. Navigation is much more user-friendly than some other streaming services and is easier for those who are switching from traditional cable. 

Cons: DirecTV Stream forces sports fans to purchase a higher-cost package to have access to more live sports, including the Twins. Their cheapest package that includes Bally Sports North has around 125 channels, which is fewer than Fubo’s lowest-cost option. Even with unlimited DVR cloud storage, recordings can only be stored for up to nine months. They also limit viewers to 30 recorded episodes of one TV show. There is no ability to create user profiles. 

Option 2: Fubo
Cost: $79.99/ month for the Pro Plan
Pros: Fubo was built as a sports lover’s streaming service and is a cord cutter’s dream regarding cost, because it is one of the cheaper options. The lowest-tier plan includes 185 channels, including many of the most-watched ones. There is an extensive video-on-demand library for those looking for something extra to stream. Also included is a cloud DVR with 1,000 hours of space and the ability to have 10 active screens streaming.

Many additional sports networks discussed with DirecTV Stream are also included in Fubo's lowest-tier package. Fubo is the way to go for someone looking strictly for the cheapest option. There is an ability to create up to six user profiles on the platform, helping families to keep their favorite shows tied to their profiles.

Cons: The navigation on the Fubo app isn’t as user-friendly as other streaming services. A person’s DVR can fill up rather quickly with Fubo, especially if you plan to record Twins games. Fubo has no parental controls, such as passcodes or other restrictive methods, which is a consideration for families with young children. 

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How are you watching the Twins this season? What have your experiences been like with DirecTV Stream and Fubo? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[danielp19653]

One additional note on fubo, when I tried it last year on top of the 79.99 they charge the regional sports network fee if you're in the market (similar to what Comcast does) so it actually ended up being 94.98 before taxes as it tacked on 14.99 extra for Bally. Seems to still be cheaper than DirectTV stream but still stuck at minimum 100 a month which is insane 

[Dave Borton]

MLB radio. Upside:
1. Can listen to opponents radio announcers. I have let Atteberry/Gladden go. Atteberry over-talks (was superb on game updates) and Gladden forgets we don't have video.
2. Get all 15 games every night; 30 booths. Some great announcers out there and key games to turn on.

[weneedneshek]

I have DirecTV and while the cost is high there is some ability to share across multiple homes. I have my place set as 'home' and outside of that network they allow 2 other streams to be occurring at once. I split the bill with my dad and it works great at his place as well

[IndianaTwin]

8 minutes ago, davidborton said:

MLB radio. Upside:
1. Can listen to opponents radio announcers. I have let Atteberry/Gladden go. Atteberry over-talks (was superb on game updates) and Gladden forgets we don't have video.
2. Get all 15 games every night; 30 booths. Some great announcers out there and key games to turn on.

My MLB Audio subscription just renewed at $29.99 for the year. 

[ToddlerHarmon]

Then there is the option (not available or easy for all) of enjoying the game at the local watering hole.

[Muppet]

MLB Radio also give you the chance to work on your Spanish with ES broadcasts. 

I might not know what is going on, but I DID learn what ponches and bombas were...I think...

[Dave Borton]

23 minutes ago, Muppet said:

MLB Radio also give you the chance to work on your Spanish with ES broadcasts. 

I might not know what is going on, but I DID learn what ponches and bombas were...I think...

I studied in Guatemala, 1-on-1 for a month when Gandhii was an infant. I find the dialogue too quick to follow. 

[bean5302]

Option 3. Attend the game. $69/mo gets you entry into every single game at Target Field with Twins Pass. Bring your own food/water in a clear flexible bag. If you're willing to walk a ways, you can snag free parking or you can park within a 5 minute walk for under $10/game. If it's just you, a bus fare on the #10 is like $5 round trip and you can park at a couple transit hubs/park n' rides.

[Dave Borton]

5 hours ago, bean5302 said:

...If it's just you, a bus fare on the #10 is like $5 round trip and you can park at a couple transit hubs/park n' rides.

I'm fortunate. Near light rail and 50% off as a veteran - nosebleeds Mon-Thurs.

[bean5302]

Just now, davidborton said:

I'm fortunate. Nearly light rail and 50% off as a veteran - nosebleeds Mon-Thurs.

SRO Twins pass is a much better option right now, IMHO. The stadium is empty and the SRO actually gives a great view of the game, weather coverage, close to good concessions, and lets be honest. If you're not trying to sneak into Dugout Box at this point, you can find yourself a place to sit. Not to mention people can just head up to Truly on Deck, score good seats and a great environment.

At the moment, I'm regretting my season ticket package quite a bit. I like my seats, but even in Club Level, selling seats is usually a 30-50% discount vs. face...

[DJL44]

18 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Option 3. Attend the game. $69/mo gets you entry into every single game at Target Field with Twins Pass. 

That's a great option for some.

For me that would mean:

Get home around midnight every evening, lose job due to lack of sleep, wife divorces me because I'm never home....

For my dad who just lost the games because his senior apartments have Xfinity that's a non-starter.

I find attending games at Target Field to be a fun thing to do once a year. I don't understand how people have enough leisure time to buy full season tickets. If I can catch a few innings on the radio broadcast it's a win. I don't know how people have 5 hours of free time in the evenings to attend games regularly.

[bean5302]

Just now, DJL44 said:

That's a great option for some.

For me that would mean:

Get home around midnight every evening, lose job due to lack of sleep, wife divorces me because I'm never home....

For my dad who just lost the games because his senior apartments have Xfinity that's a non-starter.

I find attending games at Target Field to be a fun thing to do once a year. I don't understand how people have enough leisure time to buy full season tickets. If I can catch a few innings on the radio broadcast it's a win. I don't know how people have 5 hours of free time in the evenings to attend games regularly.

For me, it's about 3.25-3.50hrs. 20min to drive/park/walk in, 2.75hr game time. I go to about 1 game per series (20-25 games a year) which averages out to 1 per week. I do not stay extra innings. Back when I was in Maple Grove, it was tougher.

I knew a girl who went to almost all the games in a full season package, but those people often live walking distance to the stadiums. Most people who have full seasons split the package with others (which is actively facilitated by the Twins). I think it's pretty rare to see somebody attend almost all the games.

[Dave Borton]

29 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

SRO Twins pass is a much better option right now, IMHO. . . 

I know I am straying a bit off OT, but I go to about 8-10  noontime games a year plus select games when the opponent is throwing Kershaw, Verlander, etc. $12.50/tix works better.

[Craig Arko]

Re-task the Webb Space Telescope. IR at that resolution should be able to pick up a lot. Broadcast on the NASA TV channel.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, Muppet said:

MLB Radio also give you the chance to work on your Spanish with ES broadcasts. 

I might not know what is going on, but I DID learn what ponches and bombas were...I think...

You often get to listen to TonyO at least the few times that I listened

[wabene]

2 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

I've used DirectTV streaming and currently use Fubo.  You are correct that Fubo is cheaper but understand that if you have a spouse like mine that enjoys HGTV, Magnolia, Discovery, Food Network, etc. that Fubo recently dropped all the channels owned by Discovery due to what else, a cost dispute.  Fubo also does NOT have TNT or TBS so if you want to watch the Wolves during the playoffs, no go on Fubo.

Yes I'm discovering some of these limitations. Who'd of thought I'd have a desire to watch the T Wolves, lol?

How did you find out about the dropped channels? My wife is not going to like that

[Vanimal46]

3 hours ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

For those willing to look, there are less scrupulous ways to watch the Twins.... The internet is full of options...

Not that I recommend this of course.

My formative teenage years were in the golden age of Napster and Limewire so I’m not naive to the other options online. The thing is, I don’t want to do that on a consistent basis. For now I’m giving the Pohlads what they want - one less pair of eyes watching their content. 

[nicksaviking]

Just re-read the article, still didn't find the "Pros" parts.

[Joe A. Preusser]

I am a proud proponent of radio broadcasts.  I listen to around 130 a year.  This was my happy sacrifice when neither my wife nor I wanted cable.  

I love being able to work in my shop,  fish, work in my huge garden, etc, etc, and still be able to follow.  I genuinely like Gladden. I really like Provus.  It works well for me.  

[AlGoreRythm]

I read the article as extremely effective dry humor due to the number of options stopping at 2 lol

[twinstalker]

Fubo's 1000 hours of DVR storage should be enough, though I spent an extra $15 to get Showtime and MGM+ to get a library of movies for now (recording most of them).  I've already recorded more movies on Fubo in five days than Comcast would allow me to store.  I'm up to about 230 hours so far.

Besides not having the TNT/Discovery stuff, Fubo doesn't have an option for MAX, but you can get MAX for $10/mo as a stand alone (I use both Fubo and MAX through my $50 Roku device).  Currently, subscribing to MAX gets you the TNT for free, but it will cost you an extra 10 when they decide to end that.  I would drop TNT channel as soon as Wolves are done, then add it for March Madness and possible Wolves playoffs next spring.  But if you don't get MAX, you should.  The programming and movies and everything HBO ever is awesome.

My Roku remote is extremely simple and therefore more clunky than Comcast which was more clunky than my Tivo remote (do not get Tivo, trust me, though you need Comcast to use Tivo, so it's moot), so that's the main downside I've found thus far, but it still works well, and fast forwarding or rewinding is easy and quick or slow as you need (you just can't always see the show as you do so, just the time.  Again, that's my Roku remote, the streaming device you use might have a better one).

[darin617]

Sail the seven seas. Keep your money out of the greedy companies. 

[Vanimal46]

3 hours ago, Joe A. Preusser said:

I am a proud proponent of radio broadcasts.  I listen to around 130 a year.  This was my happy sacrifice when neither my wife nor I wanted cable.  

I love being able to work in my shop,  fish, work in my huge garden, etc, etc, and still be able to follow.  I genuinely like Gladden. I really like Provus.  It works well for me.  

Shameless plug. Join us in the “growing”, pun intended, gardening group in the Other thread category. 
 

 

[OBX 3 6 28 29 34]

I must have missed it as I read through--did anybody suggest the MLB streaming package? I've had that for at least 5 years. I think it's $139/year (it automatically charges and updates now) and it is fabulous covering all teams with usually the home and away tv broadcasts. Ooohhh, maybe the Twins' games are blacked out for you guys like the Orioles and Nationals are for me (I live in Virginia) although I did watch the O's and Nat's for a free trial week on Fubo. 

[Joe S]

I signed up for 7 day Fubo trial. I could not watch Twins Seattle on Monday night because it was a Twins home game and was told that Twins home games are blacked out. Is this true ? OR Did I receive incorrect information ?

[bean5302]

2 hours ago, James Rivah Twins Fan said:

...Ooohhh, maybe the Twins' games are blacked out for you guys like the Orioles and Nationals are for me (I live in Virginia)...

Yep. The MLB package has the Twins blacked out if you live in ND, SD, MN, IA or parts of WI. It's absolutely insane.

[Seth Stohs]

5 hours ago, AlGoreRythm said:

I read the article as extremely effective dry humor due to the number of options stopping at 2 lol

I admit... I did the same... I scrolled down a few times, thinking maybe it had jumped or something.... 

[Seth Stohs]

2 hours ago, James Rivah Twins Fan said:

I must have missed it as I read through--did anybody suggest the MLB streaming package? I've had that for at least 5 years. I think it's $139/year (it automatically charges and updates now) and it is fabulous covering all teams with usually the home and away tv broadcasts. Ooohhh, maybe the Twins' games are blacked out for you guys like the Orioles and Nationals are for me (I live in Virginia) although I did watch the O's and Nat's for a free trial week on Fubo. 

Yes, the blackout rules would be the issue there...  I don't watch must baseball beyond the Twins, so this option hasn't ever made sense for me. 

[NotAboutWinning]

6 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Yep. The MLB package has the Twins blacked out if you live in ND, SD, MN, IA or parts of WI. It's absolutely insane.

Yes, the Twins are blacked out and that is frustrating. But that doesn't mean you can't watch them. Time shift the Twins while you watch the Saints & Wind Surge! MiLB is included in the package. Tons of content for the price.