Bob Costas on NBC and Peacock as Cubs visit Cardinals: where to watch the MLB rivalry game in the US

Match date: 31 May 2026

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals will be shown in the United States on NBC and Peacock, with Bob Costas presenting the coverage. The broadcast team also features Jason Benetti as main commentator, alongside Jim Deshaies and Albert Pujols as co-commentators, while Anthony Rizzo appears as pundit for the game scheduled for 1 June 2026 at 00:20 UK time.[2]

The matchup is listed as a live MLB game on ESPN’s score service, confirming the date and the two National League Central rivals involved.[2] For viewers in the US, the key takeaway is simple: this is an NBC television assignment with Peacock streaming support, making it accessible to both traditional TV audiences and subscribers looking to watch online.[2]

Bob Costas brings one of the most recognisable voices in American sport to the presentation. Over a long broadcasting career, he has anchored major baseball coverage for decades and is widely associated with authoritative studio and play-by-play work across the sport. His presence gives this broadcast the feel of a showcase national game rather than an ordinary regular-season telecast.

Jason Benetti is one of baseball’s most respected modern play-by-play announcers, known for his polished delivery and strong game-reading. He has built a reputation across MLB and wider sports broadcasting for clear, analytical commentary, which should suit a meeting between two historic clubs with a strong regional rivalry.

There is also plenty of baseball intelligence in the booth. Jim Deshaies, a former MLB pitcher, has long been known for his colour commentary and is a familiar voice to Cubs followers. Albert Pujols brings elite playing experience of his own, having become one of the defining hitters of his era and a future Hall of Fame-calibre figure. That combination should give the coverage both technical insight and first-hand perspective on high-pressure batting, pitching and in-game adjustments.

Anthony Rizzo adds another layer of familiarity with the rivalry. A key figure in modern Cubs history, he is well placed to offer opinion on the atmosphere, clubhouse mentality and the demands of playing in St. Louis. His presence as pundit should resonate particularly with viewers who followed the Cubs’ championship years, while also appealing to a broader audience interested in informed pre-game analysis.

The game itself remains one of MLB’s most enduring match-ups, and the Cardinals’ official broadcast information underlines how important local and national coverage has become for fans. MLB.com notes that Cardinals games can be followed through cable, satellite and streaming options, including Cardinals.TV in-market packages, reflecting the increasingly mixed viewing landscape for baseball supporters.[3] For this specific fixture, though, NBC and Peacock are the named US outlets.[2][3]

For British viewers, the late-night UK start time means the game falls into the early hours of Monday morning, making streaming a practical option for those staying up to follow the action live.[2] The combination of Costas, Benetti, Deshaies, Pujols and Rizzo makes this more than just another regular-season game: it is a high-profile broadcast built around two iconic franchises and a commentary team with genuine depth of experience.

More on the Cardinals’ official viewing options can be found through the club’s broadcast information page: Cardinals broadcast details.

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals will be shown in the United States on NBC and Peacock, with Bob Costas presenting the coverage. The broadcast team also features Jason Benetti as main commentator, alongside Jim Deshaies and Albert Pujols as co-commentators, while Anthony Rizzo appears as pundit for the game scheduled for 1 June 2026 at 00:20 UK time.[2]

Article generated: 1 June 2026, 00:31 GMT