DETROIT — Major League Baseball will produce and distribute Detroit Tigers television broadcasts this season, a move announced Monday that reflects the growing instability in the regional sports network landscape.
A New Play for Local Broadcasts
The Detroit Tigers and Red Wings are navigating a changing media environment, with MLB stepping in to ensure fans have access to games.
- The Tigers’ broadcasts will be handled by MLB, a response to issues with Main Street Sports Group.
- This partnership is unique in that it also encompasses the Detroit Red Wings, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment managing hockey production.
- MLB is now producing broadcasts for at least 14 teams this season, expanding its reach into local markets.
- Nine teams, including the Tigers, ended deals with Main Street Sports Group due to unpaid rights fees.
The Tigers’ arrangement with MLB is particularly noteworthy because it extends to the Detroit Red Wings. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which owns both franchises, will oversee broadcast production for hockey, while MLB will assist with distribution starting next season. Red Wings games are currently expected to remain on Sports Detroit through the end of the current season.
What’s driving this shift? The situation stems from financial difficulties at Main Street Sports Group, which operates regional sports networks. These networks are reportedly nearing insolvency if they don’t secure new ownership or investment.
“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,” said Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, in a statement. “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.”
Expanding MLB’s Broadcast Footprint
MLB’s involvement isn’t limited to Detroit. The league added the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, and Washington Nationals to its broadcast roster during the offseason. MLB now produces broadcasts for at least 14 teams this season.
Nine clubs, including the Tigers, terminated their agreements with Main Street Sports Group last month after the company failed to make scheduled rights payments. The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels have yet to finalize their local coverage plans.
MLB has emphasized that taking over team broadcasts will broaden market access through a combination of local cable systems, satellite, and direct-to-consumer streaming options.
