Reds just delivered surprise TV move that feels almost impossible in 2026

The Cincinnati Reds' are entering a new era in 2026. After terminating their agreement with FanDuel Sports Network earlier this winter, Cincinnati partnered with Major League Baseball to form Reds.TV — a new streaming service that will allow Reds fans to watch their favorite team without blackouts. But the team is now offering fans another way to catch a handful of games this season.

The Reds are partnering with Gray Media and WXIX FOX 19 in Cincinnati to simulcast 10 regular season games over the air in 2026, including their Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox. The other nine games have been dubbed "Red Hot Mondays" and will include matchups against the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers among others.

Reds offer fans an alternate way to watch games in 2026

Streaming platforms like AppleTV, ESPN+, Netflix, and Peacock have taken over the sports media landscape, so this is a nice gesture on behalf of the Reds organization and Gray Media to provide an alternative to streaming and cable.

Gray Media's reach goes far beyond the city of Cincinnati as well. Reds fans in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other parts of Ohio will also be able to watch these 10 games over the air.

Reds fans are hoping to see their favorite team return to the playoffs for the first time in back-to-back seasons since 2013. Last season, Cincinnati was led by first-year manager and future Hall of Famer Terry Francona and returned to the MLB Postseason for the first time since 2020. Unfortunately, the Reds were ousted after just two games at the hands the eventual World Series champion Dodgers.

Francona and the Reds are looking for redemption in 2026. Cincinnati boasts one of the best starting rotations in the league, and with Elly De La Cruz and former All-Star Eugenio Suárez ready to lead the offense, the Reds are on a quest to be playing baseball in October again this season.

So if you're not plugged in to Reds.TV or prefer to listen to Tommy Thrall and The Cowboy on the radio while watching the occasional game on your television screen, this is the perfect way to satiate your desire to watch Reds baseball in 2026.