The Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves are each considering the establishment of team-owned regional sports networks as an alternative to immediately transferring their game broadcasts to MLB Media. This development comes in the wake of ongoing difficulties faced by Main Street Sports Group, which has disrupted traditional regional sports network (RSN) models that have prevailed for nearly twenty years. These franchise-driven initiatives aim to maintain local control over broadcast content and advertising revenue amid uncertainty in the sports media landscape.
Los Angeles Angels Contemplate Full Ownership of Regional Broadcasts
In Southern California, the Angels are in the early stages of discussions about acquiring complete control over FanDuel Sports Network West by buying out Main Street Sports Group’s stake. Team owner Arte Moreno must finalize this purchase before moving ahead with independently operating the network. Such a move could also pave the way for the Los Angeles Kings to become a rights-paying partner on the channel, though they would not share ownership. This partnership could help both franchises maintain stable local distribution during a period of significant instability for RSNs.
Atlanta Braves Consider Collaboration for Expanded Regional Coverage
The Atlanta Braves, owned by Liberty Media, are exploring a different strategy that involves potential cooperation with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. The teams have engaged in preliminary talks about consolidating their broadcasts under one regional channel aimed at the Southeast market. While the Braves would retain control, the regional network could expand to include additional professional teams if broadcasting rights align. This multi-team approach is viewed as a means to mitigate the financial risks that have disrupted many RSNs recently by broadening the network’s reach across multiple southern states.
Teams Push for Delay in Handing Over Broadcasts to MLB Media
Both the Angels and Braves have requested extra time from Major League Baseball to finalize their decisions rather than quickly moving to league-managed distribution. MLB has already assumed production responsibilities for several teams departing from Main Street Sports agreements. However, many franchises remain reluctant to forfeit their independence or local advertising control, reflecting tension over the future of broadcast rights management.
Financial Instability Looms as Main Street Sports Group Faces Shutdown
The urgency behind these network negotiations stems from the expected wind-down of Main Street Sports Group, which the NBA and NHL fear may accelerate once the current basketball season concludes. Team executives and league officials are uncertain about whether remaining rights payments from Main Street will be honored, prompting contingency plans across several markets. Should the Main Street networks cease operations abruptly, leagues are prepared to shift game broadcasts to direct-to-consumer streaming platforms such as League Pass and NHL GameCenter.
Long-Term Plans Include Independent Streaming Partnerships
Looking ahead, franchises are investigating partnerships with independent streaming providers to secure more sustainable solutions for regional sports broadcasting. These efforts represent a significant shift from traditional RSN models, prompted by financial instability and evolving viewer habits impacting sports television. The approaches being considered by the Angels and Braves highlight a broader move toward greater team autonomy in controlling local broadcasts and revenue streams.
“The Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves are separately evaluating the creation of team-controlled regional sports networks rather than immediately shifting their game productions to MLB Media.” – Source, The Sports Business Journal
