Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has entered into a significant broadcast agreement with Major League Baseball that will transform how local television coverage is produced and delivered for Detroit’s Tigers and Red Wings. The deal, effective starting with the 2026 season, aims to provide greater consistency and stability amid the challenges facing regional sports networks, directly involving MLB in team-specific broadcast operations for the first time.
Details of the Broadcast Shift for Tigers and Red Wings
Under this new arrangement, the Detroit Tigers’ game production and distribution will be fully managed by Major League Baseball beginning in 2026. The Detroit Red Wings will join the same broadcasting system for the 2026-27 NHL season, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment handling production, complemented by MLB’s backend support. This structure is unique, marking a comprehensive collaboration between a sports league and a team ownership group to streamline regional broadcasts.
The partnership establishes a unified platform to serve fans across Michigan and neighboring television markets. It ensures that supporters can access games via both conventional broadcast methods such as cable and satellite, as well as through direct-to-consumer streaming services. While exact distribution details are still being finalized, the companies involved stress that fans will have continuous access similar to current viewing options.
Reasons Behind the Strategic Broadcast Overhaul
Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, highlighted the rationale for this move as a response to increasing volatility in the regional sports network sector. He emphasized the financial uncertainties many media outlets face and the unpredictable nature of rights agreements in various markets.
“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,”
said Gustafson.
“This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market.”
Access and Viewing Experience for Fans Remain a Priority
A key component of the new broadcast partnership is preserving access for local viewers. Aside from any nationally televised games, Tigers and Red Wings contests will continue to be available through familiar channels including cable and satellite providers. Additionally, streaming subscriptions will be offered to provide more choices to suit different viewing preferences.
For the Tigers specifically, MLB will oversee all broadcast production activities including securing carriage deals and managing a direct-to-consumer streaming service. The team’s well-known broadcast crew is expected to remain intact when the new arrangement begins, featuring Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson as the play-by-play commentators, with analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry continuing in their roles.
Building on a Growing Audience and Expanding Reach
The timing of this transition follows a notable increase in the Tigers’ viewership during the 2025 season. Streaming numbers per game rose by 121 percent, while household impressions climbed by 101 percent. Detroit ranked among the top five U.S.-based teams for average per-game viewership, with only two teams outpacing its overall ratings.
The Red Wings will adopt the new broadcast system following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. They will maintain their current presence on FanDuel Sports Network until their existing agreement expires, with further details on future distribution expected closer to the 2026-27 season. Veteran broadcasters Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are anticipated to remain key voices for the Red Wings broadcasts moving forward.
Significance for Detroit Sports Media and Fan Engagement
This partnership positions Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Major League Baseball at the forefront of an evolving local media environment. It represents an effort to secure the long-term stability of Detroit’s sports broadcasts while adapting to changing viewer habits, including the growing preference for streaming options. Fans can expect a consistent, high-quality experience that reflects their feedback about accessibility and broadcast excellence.
The Tigers will have a new TV home in 2026!
Full details: https://t.co/8M3LWW7yS6 pic.twitter.com/UltOUbZxNH
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 9, 2026
The #RedWings will have a new TV home in 2026-27!
Full details: https://t.co/wXb9TbWNXB pic.twitter.com/AFspQ9WAfb
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 9, 2026
