DAZN & MLB: RSN Future in Play?

NEW YORK, January 23, 2026 – DAZN and major League Baseball are scheduled to meet next week, a discussion that could determine whether the streaming service will pursue a purchase of the Main Street Sports Group, operator of the FanDuel Sports Network rsns, and its chances of securing broader MLB media rights in 2028.

DAZN’s Future Hinges on MLB Deal

The London-based streaming service faces a critical decision regarding regional sports networks and a potential long-term partnership with Major League Baseball.

• DAZN is considering acquiring Main Street Sports Group, but its pursuit depends on its prospects for the 2028 MLB media rights bidding.
• Nine MLB teams have opted out of their deals with Main Street Sports Group and face a deadline at the end of January for a resolution.
• MLB and the NBA are reportedly planning to consolidate local media rights into larger packages, potentially increasing the value of RSN ownership for bidders like DAZN.

According to reports, DAZN could abandon its attempt to buy the Main Street networks if it doesn’t believe it has a realistic chance to win the 2028 bidding process. This potential shift in strategy highlights the importance of a long-term vision for DAZN in the sports broadcasting landscape.

The nine MLB teams currently partnered with Main Street Sports Group-all of whom opted out of their agreements earlier this month-are facing a critical juncture. They will leave the RSN operator if a buyer isn’t secured by the end of January. This looming deadline adds pressure to the negotiations between DAZN and MLB.

Did you know? – Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) broadcast local sports games, frequently enough serving as the primary viewing option for fans who don’t subscribe to national packages. Their future is uncertain as streaming gains traction.

Strategic Alignment with MLB

DAZN’s interest in a longer-term agreement with MLB represents a logical evolution in its strategy. Acquiring a struggling RSN business solely for a two- or three-year window woudl be a questionable investment, given the anticipated consolidation of local media rights by both MLB and the NBA. Owning the Main street RSNs could provide DAZN with a notable advantage in bidding for those consolidated packages.

Though,skepticism remains among teams regarding DAZN’s commitment to acquiring the RSNs. Even if a sale were to occur, some teams are considering alternative distribution strategies. The st. Louis cardinals, for example, are “almost 99% certain” to take over production and distribution of their games in-house through Major league Baseball.

main Street Sports Group itself reportedly believes it can secure new deals with only six of its current nine MLB partners. Additionally, three NBA teams have expiring deals with Main Street at the end of the current season, further complicating the situation.

Pro tip – Consolidation of media rights gives leagues more leverage in negotiations. By bundling rights, they can attract larger bids from streaming services and broadcasters.

Why is this happening? The situation stems from financial difficulties at Main Street sports Group and a changing media landscape. Teams are seeking more control over their broadcasts and a greater share of revenue. The potential for MLB and NBA to consolidate rights adds another layer of complexity,making RSN ownership more valuable if a bidder can secure those larger packages.

Who is involved? Key players include DAZN, Major League Baseball, Main Street Sports Group, the nine MLB teams seeking new RSN deals (names not specified in the original article), the St. Louis Cardinals,and three unnamed NBA teams. The future of these entities is directly impacted by the outcome of these negotiations.

What is at stake? The potential sale of Main Street Sports Group, the future of local sports broadcasting, and DAZN’s long-term strategy in the U.S. market are all on the line