Milwaukee, Jan. 8, 2026, 5:46 p.m. CT
Brewers’ Broadcast Future in Flux as Nine Teams Cancel Deals with FanDuel Sports Network
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A shakeup in regional sports broadcasting could mean a new home for Milwaukee Brewers games as early as 2026.
- The Milwaukee Brewers are among nine MLB teams canceling contracts with Main Street Sports, the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network.
- This move opens the possibility of broadcasts shifting to a different network starting in 2026.
- Teams could renegotiate deals to remain with the service, which previously operated as Bally Sports.
- Main Street Sports has faced financial difficulties, including bankruptcy and missed payments to teams.
Milwaukee Brewers fans could be watching their team on a different channel next year. The Brewers, along with eight other Major League Baseball franchises, have canceled their contracts with Main Street Sports, the company behind FanDuel Sports Network, potentially opening the door for a new broadcast partner as soon as 2026. This is a developing story with significant implications for how fans access games.
A Familiar Pattern of Uncertainty
According to reporting from Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the Braves, Reds, Tigers, Royals, Angels, Marlins, Cardinals, and Rays are also included in this wave of contract cancellations. However, a return to FanDuel isn’t entirely off the table. Teams and Main Street Sports could still reach new agreements, mirroring a similar situation that unfolded when the company – formerly known as Diamond Sports Group and branded as Bally Sports – filed for bankruptcy in 2023.
Main Street Sports has publicly stated its willingness to renegotiate with its clubs. The situation is complicated by the company’s ongoing financial struggles, including reported missed payments to teams like the Cardinals and Marlins.
A Recent Pivot and MLB’s Involvement
The Brewers’ broadcast situation has been in a state of flux recently. In October 2024, the team announced plans to have Major League Baseball produce their broadcasts starting with the 2025 season, with games airing on a dedicated Brewers channel via satellite and cable. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Brewers pivoted and ultimately re-upped with Main Street Sports for 2025.
The potential closure of Main Street Sports looms large. A December report suggested the company might be forced to shut down if it couldn’t secure a sale to DAZN, a deal that currently appears unlikely. Fubo has also emerged as a potential buyer, according to the Sports Business Journal.
MLB’s Long-Term Vision
Major League Baseball has been actively pursuing a model where the league controls the broadcasting rights for all teams. This would pave the way for offering all games on the MLB app, potentially reducing the frustrating blackout restrictions currently in place with local broadcasters. Under the MLB-produced model, announcer lineups would remain consistent, and game access would be similar to the previous Bally Sports app in terms of cost.
What is MLB’s goal with centralized broadcasting? The league aims to streamline access to games and reduce blackout restrictions by offering all broadcasts on its MLB app.
