The Atlanta Braves are exploring a significant shift in how their games reach fans, potentially launching a direct-to-distributor television model and even a multi-team regional sports network (RSN). The move comes as the future of local sports broadcasting faces uncertainty, with traditional networks grappling with declining viewership and expiring rights deals. The Braves are currently in discussions with major distributors like Comcast, Charter, and DirecTV, as well as virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPDs) such as YouTube TV and Hulu, according to multiple sources.
This potential RSN could expand beyond baseball, encompassing games from the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies, and the NHL’s Nashville Predators. The Braves are already taking steps to secure broadcast coverage for the upcoming season, partnering with Gray Media to air 15 spring training games across 26 Southern markets, including Atlanta’s Peachtree TV. However, the long-term vision centers on establishing a more independent and sustainable broadcast solution for regular season games. The evolving landscape of regional sports networks is prompting teams to consider alternatives to traditional cable and satellite distribution, as highlighted by the challenges facing Main Street Sports Group.
FanDuel Sports Networks Facing Uncertainty
The potential Braves-led RSN arrives at a critical juncture for local sports broadcasting. Currently, the Hawks, Grizzlies, and Predators all have their games aired on Main Street Sports Group’s FanDuel Sports Networks. However, the future of that network is in jeopardy. Sources indicate that Main Street Sports Group may wind down its operations as early as mid-April if it doesn’t receive a last-minute financial infusion, and creditors could potentially force liquidation before the end of the current season. This leaves all three teams searching for permanent broadcast homes beginning next season. The Sports Business Journal first reported the Braves’ exploration of these options.
Hawks Pursuing Independent Options
While the Braves’ network presents a potential solution, the Hawks are also actively exploring alternative distribution deals. Sources say the Hawks are in talks with Gray Media and Peachtree TV, suggesting they are not necessarily aligned with the Braves’ plans. The NBA may also be influencing the Hawks’ strategy, reportedly discouraging teams from entering into long-term deals – potentially limiting agreements to one or two years – as the league considers creating a centralized streaming RSN by the 2027-28 season, or even sooner, through platforms like YouTube, Amazon, DAZN, or others. This centralized approach would give the NBA greater control over its broadcast rights and revenue streams.
Predators Remain on the Sidelines
The Nashville Predators, for now, are not directly involved in discussions with the Braves. Predators CMO Bill Wickett stated that the team has not spoken to the Braves regarding participation in the prospective network. However, there is a potential connection through Liberty Media, the company that owns the Braves, as Predators owner Bill Haslam reportedly has ties to Liberty Media. Whether this connection will lead to future negotiations remains unclear.
The Braves are moving forward with preparations for their network launch, regardless of whether the Hawks, Grizzlies, or Predators join the venture. They have already begun hiring sales personnel, signaling their commitment to establishing a direct-to-distributor model in time for the regular season. This proactive approach underscores the Braves’ determination to control their broadcast destiny and maximize revenue opportunities in a rapidly changing media landscape.
NBA’s Centralized Streaming Plans
The NBA’s consideration of a centralized streaming RSN adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The league’s potential move towards a direct-to-consumer model could reshape the future of local sports broadcasting, potentially bypassing traditional cable and satellite providers altogether. This strategy would allow the NBA to connect directly with fans, gather valuable data, and retain a larger share of the revenue generated from game broadcasts. Awful Announcing provides further coverage of these developments.
The situation highlights the broader challenges facing regional sports networks as cord-cutting continues to accelerate and viewership shifts towards streaming platforms. Teams are increasingly seeking ways to bypass traditional distributors and establish direct relationships with fans, ensuring they have a sustainable broadcast model for the future. The Braves’ initiative, along with the NBA’s potential streaming RSN, represents a significant step towards this new era of local sports broadcasting.
The next key development will be the outcome of Main Street Sports Group’s financial situation, which will likely develop into clear in mid-April. This will force the Hawks, Grizzlies, and Predators to finalize their broadcast plans for the upcoming seasons. Fans of these teams should expect further announcements regarding broadcast arrangements in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on the Braves’ potential RSN? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact local sports broadcasting.
