Detroit sports fans are facing a significant shift in how they consume Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E), the parent company of both franchises, has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to handle the production and distribution of local broadcasts, beginning with the 2026 MLB season for the Tigers and the 2026-27 NHL season for the Red Wings.
The move effectively ends the teams’ relationship with FanDuel Sports Network, operated by Main Street Sports Group (MMSG), and signals a broader trend of MLB taking greater control over regional broadcasting rights. MLB will oversee all production for Tigers games not selected for national broadcast, distributing them through a direct-to-consumer streaming service and continuing existing cable and satellite agreements. For the Red Wings, IS+E will maintain production responsibilities with support from MLB, utilizing the same distribution channels.
This decision comes as the regional sports network (RSN) landscape faces increasing instability. Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, acknowledged the uncertainty in the industry, stating, “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.” He emphasized the organization’s commitment to accessibility, reliability, and quality in broadcasting, adding, “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.”
The partnership represents a significant expansion of MLB’s involvement in broadcast distribution. Currently, MLB manages production and distribution for 14 of its 30 franchises. This move with the Tigers and Red Wings marks the first time the league is extending this model to a team in another major professional sport. MLB reportedly aims to manage local game production for all 30 MLB teams by 2028, potentially creating a national package of local rights and ending regional blackouts.
The demise of FanDuel Sports Network, and potentially MMSG itself, is a direct consequence of the changing media landscape and the challenges facing RSNs. Cord-cutting and financial disruptions have severely impacted companies like MMSG, formerly Diamond Sports Group. The departure of the Tigers and Red Wings is widely seen as a fatal blow to the network, which is expected to cease operations after fulfilling its remaining commitments in early 2026.
Despite the shift in broadcasting control, IS+E assures fans that viewing options will remain consistent with current methods, with details on cable, satellite, and streaming subscriptions to be announced at a later date. The organization highlighted the Tigers’ strong viewership numbers on FanDuel Sports Network in the 2025 season, noting that only five U.S.-based MLB teams (excluding the Toronto Blue Jays) had higher per-game viewership, and only two had a higher regional rating.
The Tigers’ recent on-field success has undoubtedly contributed to their strong viewership. After a prolonged playoff drought, the team has reached the postseason in consecutive years, fueled by the performance of all-star pitcher Tarik Skubal, who recently secured a $32 million salary for the 2026 season through arbitration. This improved performance has clearly resonated with fans, making the stability of broadcast access even more critical.
The move to MLB-managed broadcasting is a proactive step by IS+E to navigate the evolving media landscape and ensure continued access to Tigers and Red Wings games for fans throughout Michigan and the broader television market. While the details of the new distribution model are still forthcoming, the partnership with MLB offers a degree of certainty and a commitment to providing a high-quality viewing experience.
