Ilitch Sports Group Shifts Broadcast Rights to MLB in Landmark deal
Table of Contents
- 1. Ilitch Sports Group Shifts Broadcast Rights to MLB in Landmark deal
- 2. MLB Expanding Broadcast Control
- 3. The fall of Regional Sports Networks
- 4. Fan Experiance Remains a priority
- 5. Tigers’ performance Boosts Viewership
- 6. What prompted the Detroit teams to end their FanDuel partnership and shift broadcast production to MLB?
- 7. Detroit Teams Shift Broadcast Production to MLB, Ending FanDuel Deal
- 8. The Breakdown of the fanduel Partnership
- 9. MLB Takes the Reins: A New Production Model
- 10. Impact on Local Broadcast Rights & Streaming
- 11. The Broader Trend: Leagues Reclaiming Control
- 12. What this Means for Sports Betting Integration
- 13. Case Study: The Los angeles Dodgers’ SportsNet LA
Detroit tigers and Detroit Red Wings fans will see a meaningful change in how they access games, as Ilitch Sports and Entertainment has announced Major League Baseball will now handle broadcast production and distribution for both teams. this move signals a broader shift in how sports content is delivered, and the continuing decline of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).
MLB Expanding Broadcast Control
Beginning with the 2026 MLB season for the Tigers and the 2026-27 NHL season for the Red Wings, MLB will take the reins of all non-nationally televised game production for the Tigers. Distribution will occur through a direct-to-consumer streaming service, and also conventional broadcast agreements. For the Red Wings, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment will handle production with MLB assistance, but the league will still manage distribution.
This expanded role for MLB represents a significant investment in content control. Currently, MLB manages broadcast production for 15 of its 30 franchises, a number poised to grow to 17 in the coming weeks, but the Red Wings agreement marks the first extension of this model to another professional sports league. The league aims to manage production for all 30 MLB teams by 2028, consolidating rights and potentially ending regional blackouts.
The fall of Regional Sports Networks
The agreement effectively ends Ilitch Sports and entertainment’s relationship with FanDuel Sports Network, a brand owned by Main Street Sports Group (MMSG). MMSG, formerly Diamond Sports Group, is facing financial difficulties, and the loss of the Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts likely seals its fate. The RSN model has struggled in recent years due to cord-cutting and shifting viewership habits,with subscriber numbers declining dramatically. According to Nielsen, cable and satellite TV subscriptions decreased by 6.6% in 2023 alone—a trend that exacerbates the challenges facing RSNs.
The situation reflects a wider industry trend. The rise of streaming services and the fragmentation of the media landscape have put immense pressure on traditional broadcast models.
Fan Experiance Remains a priority
Ilitch Sports and Entertainment President Ryan Gustafson emphasized the importance of ensuring continued access for fans. “We recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey,” Gustafson stated. The organization aims to deliver a reliable streaming product, an informative broadcast, and widespread availability.
Tigers’ performance Boosts Viewership
The Detroit Tigers have experienced a resurgence in recent seasons, which has translated to strong viewership numbers. In the 2025 MLB season,the team’s broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network attracted some of the highest per-game viewership in the league,trailing only five other U.S.-based teams.Their recent playoff appearances, fueled by the performance of All-Star pitcher Tarik skubal, who recently signed a $32 million deal for the 2026 season, have significantly contributed to this increase in fan engagement.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| MLB Teams with MLB-Managed Broadcasts (2026) | 15-17 |
| MLB’s Goal for Teams with Managed Broadcasts | 30 (by 2028) |
| Tigers 2025 Viewership Rank | 6th (US-based teams) |
What does this shift mean for the future of local sports broadcasting, and will other teams follow suit? How will MLB leverage its expanded control to enhance the fan experience?
What prompted the Detroit teams to end their FanDuel partnership and shift broadcast production to MLB?
Detroit Teams Shift Broadcast Production to MLB, Ending FanDuel Deal
The Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons have announced a notable shift in their broadcast production strategy, moving operations in-house under the umbrella of Major League Baseball (MLB). this decision effectively ends their existing partnership with FanDuel, which included FanDuel branding integrated into game broadcasts and studio shows. The change,finalized on February 10,2026,marks a growing trend of professional sports leagues taking greater control over their media distribution and revenue streams.
The Breakdown of the fanduel Partnership
For the past three seasons,FanDuel held a prominent position as the official sports betting partner for all three detroit franchises. The deal, valued at approximately $30 million annually, provided FanDuel with extensive visibility, including:
* In-game advertising: FanDuel logos and promotional messages were frequently displayed during live game broadcasts.
* Studio integration: FanDuel branding was incorporated into pre- and post-game studio shows, with analysts often discussing betting odds and lines.
* Digital marketing: Joint marketing campaigns were launched across social media and digital platforms.
However,the partnership faced increasing scrutiny from some fans and media outlets concerned about the normalization of sports betting and its potential impact on responsible gambling. While FanDuel maintained a commitment to responsible gaming initiatives,the visibility of betting promotions remained a point of contention.
MLB Takes the Reins: A New Production Model
The decision to transition broadcast production to MLB stems from a desire for greater control over content quality, brand messaging, and revenue generation.MLB has been steadily expanding its in-house production capabilities in recent years, leveraging its expertise to serve not only baseball but also other sports properties.
Here’s how the new model is expected to function:
- Centralized Production: MLB will oversee all aspects of broadcast production, including camera work, editing, graphics, and on-air talent selection.
- Enhanced Content Control: The teams will have more direct input into the content presented during broadcasts, ensuring alignment with their brand values and fan engagement strategies.
- Revenue Sharing: Revenue generated from broadcast rights and advertising will be shared between the teams and MLB, potentially leading to increased profitability.
- Focus on fan Experience: MLB plans to invest in cutting-edge broadcast technologies, such as augmented reality and advanced analytics, to enhance the viewing experience for fans.
Impact on Local Broadcast Rights & Streaming
This shift doesn’t immediately alter the existing local broadcast rights agreements. Bally sports Detroit currently holds the local TV rights for the Tigers and Red Wings, while the Pistons’ games are primarily broadcast on bally Sports detroit and streamed on various platforms. However, the long-term implications for these agreements are significant.
MLB’s involvement could lead to:
* increased Negotiation Leverage: The teams, backed by MLB’s production capabilities, may have greater leverage in future negotiations with regional sports networks (RSNs).
* Direct-to-Consumer Streaming: MLB is actively exploring direct-to-consumer streaming options, and the Detroit teams could eventually be integrated into a league-wide streaming platform. This would bypass traditional RSNs and allow the teams to reach fans directly.
* Enhanced Digital Offerings: Expect improvements to the streaming quality and features available through team websites and apps.
The Broader Trend: Leagues Reclaiming Control
The Detroit teams’ move is part of a larger trend across professional sports. The NBA,NFL,and NHL are all investing heavily in in-house production capabilities and exploring direct-to-consumer streaming options. This is driven by several factors:
* Rising Rights Fees: The cost of securing broadcast rights has skyrocketed in recent years, putting pressure on teams and leagues to maximize revenue.
* Changing Viewing Habits: More fans are consuming sports content through streaming services, creating opportunities for leagues to bypass traditional media outlets.
* Data & Analytics: Leagues are increasingly leveraging data and analytics to personalize the fan experience and optimize content delivery.
* Brand Control: Maintaining control over broadcast production allows leagues to protect their brand image and ensure consistent messaging.
What this Means for Sports Betting Integration
While the FanDuel deal is over,sports betting isn’t disappearing from Detroit sports broadcasts. MLB has established partnerships with several sports betting operators, including DraftKings and BetMGM. Expect to see these brands integrated into broadcasts in a more controlled and regulated manner. The focus will likely shift towards responsible gaming messaging and educational content,rather than overt promotional advertising. The league will likely implement standardized guidelines for betting integration across all teams.
Case Study: The Los angeles Dodgers’ SportsNet LA
The los Angeles Dodgers provide a compelling case study for the benefits of in-house broadcast production. In 2014, the Dodgers launched SportsNet LA, a regional sports network owned and operated by the team.This allowed the Dodgers to:
* Generate Significant Revenue: SportsNet LA generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually through subscription fees and advertising.
* Control Content Quality: The Dodgers have complete control over the content presented on SportsNet LA, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for fans.
* Enhance Fan Engagement: sportsnet