Reds-Dodgers Game on ESPN: A Comprehensive Guide
Published: March 4, 2026
Local cable TV viewers eagerly awaiting their carrier's coverage of the Cincinnati Reds this season can catch their favorite team in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers, live on ESPN at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The Reds' next TV appearance is set for 4:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, when they face the Arizona Diamondbacks. This game is one of seven free Reds.TV streaming matches, made possible by the team's new production and distribution deal with Major League Baseball. Just a month ago, the Reds announced their departure from the financially struggling FanDuel Sports Network, marking a significant shift in their broadcasting strategy.
On February 2, MLB and the Reds had to quickly assemble a new team, including TV talent, producers, camera operators, production trucks, distribution partners, and advertisers, to ensure seamless coverage.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the Reds' TV coverage, with Opening Day just three weeks away:
Announcers:
- John Sadak and Jeff Brantley returned to the Reds' booth for the spring TV premiere on March 2.
- All game announcers from last year's FanDuel Sports telecasts are back for the MLB-produced games: Sadak, Brantley, Barry Larkin, Chris Welsh, and Jim Day.
- Tommy Thrall, Brantley, and Welsh will also provide radio commentary.
- Brian Giesenschlag and former Reds pitcher Sam LeCure will host the pregame show, with no postgame show confirmed after each telecast.
Cable TV Update:
- Spectrum and Altafiber are in discussions with the Reds to carry the games, but no deals have been finalized yet.
- Spectrum's spokesperson expressed their desire to continue broadcasting the Reds, with ongoing negotiations with MLB.
- Altafiber, a local company in a historic baseball town, has initiated negotiations with MLB to broadcast the Reds games for the upcoming season, as mentioned in an email to customers.
Opening Day:
- If Opening Day is simulcast on free, over-the-air Cincinnati TV, it will be on WXIX-TV, similar to last year.
- Managers of other TV stations (WLWT-TV, WCPO-TV, and WKRC-TV) confirmed they won't broadcast the Reds-Red Sox game at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
- Channel 19, a sister station, may air Opening Day as part of a package of games, similar to last year's arrangement.
Weather Forecast Provider:
- There's a change in the weather forecast provider for the Reds. Fox 19 will no longer be the official provider after the retirement of chief meteorologist Steve Hortstmeyer.
Free Reds.TV Games:
After Sunday's game, Reds.TV will stream three more free games:
- Tuesday, March 17 at 9:05 p.m.: Reds vs. Guardians (Cleveland announcers)
- Wednesday, March 18 at 4:05 p.m.: Reds vs. Rockies
- Sunday, March 22 at 3:05 p.m.: Reds vs. Guardians (Cleveland announcers)
Fans can subscribe to a full season of Reds.TV streaming for $99.99.
Radio Broadcasts:
- All Reds games will be broadcast on WLW-AM (700) or WSAI-AM (1360).
- Thursday and Saturday games will air on WSAI-AM at 3 p.m., while Friday's game will be on WLW-AM at 3 p.m.
- Starting Sunday, due to the switch to Daylight Saving Time, games will air at 4 p.m., with the Reds-Diamondbacks game on WLW-AM.
For more updates, visit the provided links for additional sports news and local information.
