Cable/Satellite Subs: Can You Get a Refund For Your $99 MLB Streaming Plan?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!

TV Answer Man, I have DIRECTV and I got the Washington Nationals streaming plan for $99 in the middle of March because I didn’t know that DIRECTV would carry it. But they added it last week! My question: Can I now get a refund because I don’t need the Nationals for both? – Carl, Arlington, Virginia.

Carl, you are not the only one who suffered this unfortunate experience. Let me explain what your rights are.

Eleven MLB (Major League Baseball) teams (Braves, Nationals, Mariners, Cardinals, etc.) exited their relationships with the regional sports networks that previously carried their games. They then launched streaming plans in conjunction with MLB Media for $99 and up for the entire season. However, they didn’t negotiate carriage agreements with the cable and satellite operators to carry their games in 2026 until a few days before Opening Day or, in some cases, until Opening Day itself. Consequently, some panicked fans bought the $99 streaming plans earlier this month because they were unsure if their TV provider would carry their favorite team.

You could avoid paying the $99 is if you purchased the sub within the last seven days. The MLB plans come with a free seven-day trial. So you could cancel now and not have to pay the full cost if you were still in the free trial period.

MLB also says that it will refund your money within five days of your actual purchase (paying the $99.) Here’s the MLB refund policy:

“MLB will refund the purchase price you paid for a subscription Service (e.g., MLB.TV or MLB+) offered via the MLB Digital Properties if you make a refund request on the applicable MLB Digital Property via the account management tools in the Audio/Video Subscriptions section of your MLB.com account or via email to subscriptioncancel@mlb.com within five (5) days of your initial purchase or within five (5) days of any annual automatic renewal date. In no event will MLB grant you more than one (1) refund during any given Major League Baseball season or provide partial or pro-rated refunds.”

Carl, it sounds like you would not be eligible for a refund since you purchased your sub in mid-March. (But one thing I would recommend: Cancel your auto-renewal setting now so you don’t get charged again next season.)

Last note: AJC.com writes that the Braves are offering refunds to BravesVision subscribers who didn’t know their provider would carry the team. If the Braves are doing that, it would be worth trying it with your team, too,

Carl, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question about a cable/satellite service, streaming service, TV product, or favorite show? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com or complete the form below: