Detroit SportsNet

Detroit SportsNet is an upcoming part-time regional sports network owned by Ilitch Sports Entertainment in partnership with MLB Local Media. Expected to launch prior to the start of the 2026 Detroit Tigers season, it will become the new broadcaster of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, replacing FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.

History

In January 2026, Main Street Sports Group's nine remaining regional contracts with MLB teams were terminated due to missed payments, amid financial issues and failed offers to sell the company to DAZN. This impacted the Detroit Tigers, whose regional broadcasts were carried by FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. ^{[1] [2] [3]} Pending further developments, it was projected that FanDuel Sports Network may cease operations entirely following the conclusion of the NBA and NHL seasons, which would also impact the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. ^[4] On February 2, 2026, it was reported that at least six of the teams would move their regional broadcasts to MLB's in-house MLB Local Media unit. ^{[5] [6]}

On February 9, 2026, Ilitch Sports Entertainment—which owns both the Tigers and Red Wings—announced that both teams would move to MLB Local Media in the 2026 and 2026–27 seasons respectively, with games available via a direct-to-consumer streaming package and partnerships with local television providers. The Red Wings would be the first non-MLB team to be served by MLB Local Media; unlike the Tigers' broadcasts, the Red Wings games will be produced in-house by the team, but with MLB Local Media providing production and distribution support. ^[7]

On March 2, 2026, it was announced that the two teams would be aired by a new platform known as Detroit SportsNet, which will cover a joint subscription service covering the Tigers on MLB.tv and the Red Wings on a yet-to-be-determined platform, as well as a linear television channel. While it will not operate as a full 24-hour channel, it will air some ancillary programming such as game replays, and pre- and post-game shows for both teams. MLB will negotiate with local television providers to carry the new channel. ^{[8] [9]} The Detroit SportsNet operation is in contrast to other MLB Local Media operations by having multiple teams on a branded channel, rather than being "quietly fold[ed] into the league's generic product". ^[10]

References

1. Friend, Tom (December 21, 2025). "Sources: Main Street misses Cardinals payment, will shutter if it cannot sell to DAZN". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
2. Friend, Tom (January 8, 2026). "Sources: Main Street hints at talks with second bidder". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
3. Drellich, Evan (January 8, 2026). "All nine MLB teams cancel their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network". The Athletic. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
4. Friend, Tom (February 2, 2026). "All nine MLB teams officially leaving Main Street; NBA and NHL in holding pattern". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
5. Gonzalez, Alden (February 2, 2026). "Sources: At least 6 teams to leave Main Street Sports, join MLB". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
6. Friend, Tom (February 2, 2026). "All nine MLB teams officially leaving Main Street; NBA and NHL in holding pattern". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
7. Friend, Tom (February 9, 2026). "Tigers, Red Wings broadcasts heading to MLB Media in rare crossover partnership". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
8. Petzold, Evan; St. James, Helene. "Detroit Tigers, Red Wings TV update: Detroit SportsNet is new home". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
9. Mazzeo, Mike (March 2, 2026). "Ilitch launches Detroit SportsNet for Tigers, Red Wings local broadcasts". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
10. Neumann, Sam (March 3, 2026). "Ilitch Sports + Entertainment launches Detroit SportsNet for Tigers, Red Wings local broadcasts". Awful Announcing. Retrieved March 3, 2026.