Hey Royals fans! Are you trying to figure out how to catch all the Kansas City Royals games this season? With the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting, it can get a little confusing. But don't worry, this guide will walk you through all the ways you can watch Bally Sports Kansas City and cheer on your team!

Understanding Bally Sports Kansas City

First off, let's talk about Bally Sports Kansas City. It's the regional sports network (RSN) that holds the local broadcast rights for the Kansas City Royals. This means that most of the Royals games you see aren't nationally televised will be shown on Bally Sports Kansas City. It is super important for us, Kansas City Royals fans, to understand how to access this channel so that we do not miss out on any of the games.

What happened to Fox Sports Kansas City?

If you're a long-time fan, you might remember the channel as Fox Sports Kansas City. In 2019, the network was acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group and rebranded as Bally Sports Kansas City in 2021. So, if you're searching through your channel guide and can't find Fox Sports Kansas City, that's why! It's now Bally Sports Kansas City.

Why is Regional Sports Network Important?

Regional Sports Networks, or commonly called RSNs, play a crucial role in broadcasting local sports. They provide a platform for teams like the Royals to connect with their fanbase in the local market. Without RSNs, many fans would miss out on watching their favorite team play, as national broadcasts only cover a limited number of games. Bally Sports Kansas City ensures that the majority of Royals games are accessible to fans in the Kansas City area and beyond.

Ways to Watch Bally Sports Kansas City

Okay, let's dive into how you can actually watch Bally Sports Kansas City. There are several options available, depending on your preferences and budget.

Cable and Satellite Providers

The most traditional way to access Bally Sports Kansas City is through a cable or satellite provider. Major providers in the area, such as Comcast, Spectrum, and DirecTV, typically include Bally Sports Kansas City in their channel lineups.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Check your current cable or satellite package: See if Bally Sports Kansas City is already included in your current package. You might need to upgrade to a higher tier package to get it.
2. Contact your provider: If you don't see the channel listed, call your cable or satellite provider and ask if they carry Bally Sports Kansas City. They can tell you which package you need to subscribe to.
3. Add the channel: Once you've found the right package, add the channel to your lineup and start watching the games!

Streaming Services

In recent years, streaming services have become a popular alternative to traditional cable and satellite. However, the availability of Bally Sports Kansas City on streaming services has been a bit inconsistent. Here's the latest:

• DIRECTV STREAM: As of right now, DIRECTV STREAM is one of the few streaming services that carry Bally Sports Kansas City. This is a great option if you want the flexibility of streaming without sacrificing access to your local sports.
• FuboTV and YouTube TV: Unfortunately, FuboTV and YouTube TV do not currently offer Bally Sports Kansas City. They dropped the channel due to carriage disputes with Sinclair Broadcast Group.
• Bally Sports+: Bally Sports has launched its own streaming service called Bally Sports+. This service allows you to stream Bally Sports channels directly, without needing a cable or satellite subscription. This is a solid option if your main goal is to watch the Royals games. Visit the Bally Sports+ website to subscribe and check for any promotional offers.

Antenna

While an antenna won't get you Bally Sports Kansas City (since it's a cable channel), it's still worth mentioning as a way to watch some Royals games. Over-the-air channels like Fox, ABC, and ESPN will occasionally broadcast Royals games, especially those that are nationally televised. An antenna is a cheap option for watching those games.

Tips for Watching Royals Games

Alright, now that you know how to access Bally Sports Kansas City, here are some extra tips to enhance your viewing experience:

Check the Schedule

Before settling in to watch a game, make sure you know when and where it's being broadcast. The Royals' official website and the Bally Sports Kansas City website both have schedules that you can check. You can also set reminders on your phone or TV so you don't miss any games.

Use the Bally Sports App

If you subscribe to Bally Sports Kansas City through a cable, satellite, or streaming provider, you can use the Bally Sports app to watch games on your mobile devices. Just download the app, log in with your provider credentials, and you're good to go. This is perfect for watching games on the go!

Follow Social Media

Stay up-to-date on the latest Royals news and game updates by following the team and Bally Sports Kansas City on social media. They often post live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content that you won't find anywhere else.

Consider a VPN

If you're traveling outside of the Kansas City area, you might not be able to access Bally Sports Kansas City due to regional restrictions. In this case, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your location and access the stream. Just connect to a server in the Kansas City area, and you should be able to watch the games as if you were at home.

Why is it so complicated?

You might be wondering why it's so complicated to watch local sports these days. The media landscape is constantly evolving, and rights negotiations between sports leagues, networks, and streaming services can get complex. This often leads to channels being dropped from certain providers or being available only on specific platforms. It can be frustrating for fans, but hopefully, this guide has helped you navigate the options and find a way to watch the Royals.

Alternatives to Watching Live

Okay, so sometimes you might not be able to catch the game live. Don't worry, there are still ways to stay in the loop.

Game Replays

Many cable and streaming services offer the option to watch game replays on demand. Check your provider's guide or app to see if replays of Royals games are available. This is a great way to catch up on the action if you missed the live broadcast.

Highlights and Recaps

If you don't have time to watch a full game replay, you can always check out highlights and recaps online. Websites like MLB.com and ESPN.com have extensive highlight reels of every game. You can also find recaps and analysis on various sports blogs and news sites.

Radio Broadcasts

For a more traditional experience, you can listen to Royals games on the radio. The Royals Radio Network broadcasts games on stations throughout the Kansas City area and beyond. This is a great option if you're driving or doing other activities where you can't watch TV.

Final Thoughts

Watching the Kansas City Royals can be a fun and engaging experience, even with the changing ways that games are broadcast. By understanding your options and following the tips in this guide, you can make sure you never miss a game. Whether you choose cable, streaming, or even a good old-fashioned antenna, there's a way for every fan to cheer on the Royals! So grab your Royals gear, settle in, and enjoy the game!