MLB Playoffs: 2024 start date, schedule, how to watch, streaming format

The 2024 MLB Playoffs will take place in October, and for the first time, there's a flexible start date for the World Series.

As usual, the playoff will begin with the best-of-three Wild Card Series, which sees the two best division winners in both the American League and National League get a first-round bye.

MLB Playoffs 2024 start date

The 2024 MLB Playoffs are scheduled to start on October 1, which is when the first Wild Card games are scheduled to be played.

MLB Playoffs 2024 schedule

Wild Card Series

The 2024 MLB Wild Card series are scheduled to begin on October 1, with the possible third games of these best-of-three series all scheduled to be played on October 3 if necessary.

Division Series

MLB Division Series, which are best-of-five matchups, are scheduled to begin on October 5. The final Game 5 of this stage is scheduled for October 12.

League Championship Series

The League Championship Series are scheduled to begin on October 13, with the last Game 7 of this stage slated for October 22.

If both League Championship Series are completed in five games or less, the World Series will move to an earlier start date.

World Series

The 2024 World Series is scheduled to begin on October 25, with Game 7 scheduled for November 2.

If both League Championship Series are completed in four or five games, the World Series will instead start on October 22, which would see Game 7 scheduled for October 30.

How to watch MLB Playoffs, TV channel and streaming

MLB Wild Card Series games will all be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2, which can all be viewed through cable TV or live TV streaming apps such as YouTubeTV and FuboTV.

The NLDS will be broadcast on FOX and FOX Sports 1, while the ALDS will be shown on TBS, TruTV and the streaming service MAX. FOX, FS1, TBS and TruTV can all be viewed through cable TV and with live TV streaming apps such as YouTubeTV and FuboTV.

The NLCS will be shown on FOX or FS1, while the ALDS will be shown on TBS or TruTV and will also be available to stream on MAX.

The World Series will be broadcast on FOX.

MLB Playoffs 2024 format

The first stage in the MLB Playoffs, the Wild Card Series, are all best-of-three series. The two best teams in each of the AL and NL get a bye and do not participate in this round.

The second stage, the Division Series, are best-of-five series. The top two teams in each league enter the playoffs at this stage.

The League Championship Series and World Series are best-of-seven matchups.

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