The Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings have officially announced they are ending their relationship with FanDuel Sports Network and its parent company, Main Street Sports Group, starting with the 2026 MLB season for the Tigers and the 2026-27 NHL season for the Red Wings. This new arrangement, the first of its kind between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, will offer broadcast support on a fresh platform, aiming to reach fans throughout Michigan and the teams’ home television markets.
Details of the Broadcast Platform and Viewer Access
The partnership will enable fans to watch games and related content whenever and wherever they choose, encompassing cable, satellite providers, and direct-to-consumer streaming subscriptions. Precise details about subscription options and pricing are expected to be announced at a later time. This move intends to create a stable and accessible outlet for following both Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey despite ongoing uncertainties in regional sports broadcasting.
Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, emphasized this approach, stating,
“Given recent uncertainty throughout the regional sports broadcasting industry, we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey,”
and added,
“We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we’ve heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that’s informative and entertaining in all the right ways. This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market.”
Broadcast Distribution and Team Production Roles
Under this agreement, MLB will directly produce and distribute Tigers games beginning in 2026. It will manage broadcast production, negotiate distribution deals, and operate the associated streaming platform. Notably, familiar voices will remain, with Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson continuing their roles as play-by-play announcers, supported by analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry.
Following the 2025-26 NHL season, the Red Wings will join this new broadcast framework, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment taking on primary broadcast production responsibilities while receiving production assistance from MLB. Existing Red Wings broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network will remain in place through the current season. Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are expected to continue as lead voices for Red Wings telecasts, with future operational strategies to be determined after the 2025-26 season concludes.
Industry Context and Previous Reporting on Broadcast Changes
Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal initially reported last week that the Tigers were among nine teams departing from Main Street Sports Group. The reporting suggested the Tigers would likely transition to MLB Media and later establish a local distribution agreement for regional broadcasts. Currently, FanDuel Sports Network still airs Detroit Pistons games, and NBA teams remain in a cautious, business-as-usual mode.
Main Street released a statement to Sports Business Journal acknowledging ongoing discussions:
“FanDuel Sports Network is continuing to broadcast NBA and NHL games, and we appreciate the leagues’ engagement in ongoing discussions on our go-forward plans. We appreciate the relationships we have had with our MLB partners and fans over many years, and we wish them the best,”
expressing goodwill toward departing MLB partners.
Bigger Picture: Bankruptcy, Media Shifts, and Viewer Access
Last month marked the end of agreements between FanDuel Sports Network and the Tigers alongside eight other teams. Formerly known as Diamond Sports Group, the entity was rebranded as Main Street Sports Group following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2025, with FanDuel acquiring naming rights. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reassured fans regarding access, stating,
“No matter what happens, whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB media, fans are going to have the games,”
highlighting league commitment to viewer availability.
Sports Business Journal also pointed out the possibility that MLB Media might produce the Red Wings broadcasts in the future, given that both the Tigers and Red Wings are owned by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
Comparing MLB Media’s Role with Other Teams
To provide an example of this partnership model, the St. Louis Cardinals recently announced their transition to MLB Media. Cardinals fans can subscribe via Cardinals.TV for $99.99 per season or $19.99 per month, with additional cable and satellite provider options anticipated to be revealed later. MLB Media also currently produces broadcasts for several other teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals, setting a precedent for the Tigers and potentially the Red Wings.
Anticipating the Future of Detroit Team Broadcasts
With this new agreement, Detroit sports fans can expect steady and accessible broadcasts for Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey starting in the 2026 seasons. By bringing production in-house with MLB Media and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the teams aim to provide reliable streaming options and a comprehensive viewing experience tailored to local market needs. The transition marks a significant shift amid a turbulent period for regional sports networks, and ongoing announcements will clarify subscription details and distribution channels ahead of the upcoming seasons.
