Tigers and Red Wings Broadcasts Shift to MLB Media in Landmark Deal
Table of Contents
- 1. Tigers and Red Wings Broadcasts Shift to MLB Media in Landmark Deal
- 2. The End of an Era with FanDuel Sports Network
- 3. What This Means for Fans
- 4. Broadcast Team Remains Largely Intact
- 5. A Broader Trend in Sports Broadcasting
- 6. What does the Detroit Tigers’ integration with MLB Media mean for fans in the 2026 season?
- 7. Detroit Tigers Join MLB Media for 2026 Season, FanDuel Partnership Ends
- 8. What Does the MLB Media Integration mean for Tigers Fans?
- 9. the End of the FanDuel Partnership: A Changing Landscape
- 10. Impact on Sports Betting and Advertising
- 11. MLB’s Broader Media Strategy: A League-Wide Trend
- 12. What This Means for the Future of Tigers Coverage
February 9, 2026
Detroit sports fans are facing a significant change in how they consume Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E) announced Monday that Major League Baseball will assume control of the production, broadcast, and distribution of Detroit Tigers games beginning with the 2026 season. This decision extends to the Detroit Red Wings, with MLB Media taking over their broadcasts starting in the 2026-27 NHL season, creating a frist-of-its-kind partnership.
The End of an Era with FanDuel Sports Network
The move signals the end of the relationship between IS+E and FanDuel sports Network. This change comes as nine MLB teams conclude their contracts with Main Street Sports Group, the organization operating the FanDuel networks, amidst shifting realities in regional sports broadcasting. Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal initially reported the tigers’ transition to MLB Media on February 2.
What This Means for Fans
IS+E assured fans that access to games will continue through both direct-to-consumer streaming subscriptions and existing cable and satellite options. Details on specific streaming platforms and pricing are forthcoming. Red Wings broadcasts will remain on FanDuel Sports Network through the conclusion of the current 2025-26 season.
Broadcast Team Remains Largely Intact
Despite the change in ownership of the broadcasts, familiar voices will remain for viewers. Play-by-play commentators Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson, along with color commentators Andy Dirks and Dan Petry, are expected to return for the 2026 Tigers season. Similarly, legendary Red Wings broadcasters Ken daniels and Mickey Redmond are anticipated to continue in their roles.
A Broader Trend in Sports Broadcasting
This development reflects a growing trend within Major League Baseball. MLB Media now controls the broadcasting rights for 14 teams, including the Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins. The broader regional sports broadcasting market has experienced turbulence recently, with Main Street facing payment issues with NBA partners and numerous MLB teams seeking choice broadcast arrangements.
| Team | Previous Broadcaster | New Broadcaster | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Tigers | FanDuel Sports Network | MLB Media | 2026 Season |
| Detroit Red Wings | FanDuel Sports Network | MLB media | 2026-27 Season |
Two other teams, the Los Angeles Angels and the Atlanta Braves, are reportedly considering launching their own self-reliant regional networks, according to Sports Business Journal.
IS+E President Ryan Gustafson emphasized the priority of maintaining consistent access to Tigers and Red Wings games for fans, delivering a reliable streaming experience, and providing an informative and engaging broadcast. He stated, “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”.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, this partnership represents a significant step in how fans will access their favorite Detroit teams. Will this move improve the viewing experience for Tigers and Red Wings fans, or will it introduce new hurdles? What impact will this have on the future of regional sports network broadcasting?
What does the Detroit Tigers’ integration with MLB Media mean for fans in the 2026 season?
Detroit Tigers Join MLB Media for 2026 Season, FanDuel Partnership Ends
The Detroit Tigers have announced a critically important shift in their media and sponsorship strategy for the 2026 MLB season. In a move signaling a broader trend within Major League Baseball, the Tigers are integrating fully with MLB Media, ending their exclusive partnership with FanDuel. This change impacts broadcast rights, digital content creation, and fan engagement initiatives.
What Does the MLB Media Integration mean for Tigers Fans?
This isn’t a takeover, but a streamlining of resources. The Tigers will now leverage MLB’s centralized media infrastructure, offering fans a more consistent and integrated experience across all platforms. Here’s what fans can expect:
* Enhanced Streaming Options: Access to Tigers games via MLB.TV will be more seamless, potentially including features like multi-view and personalized highlight reels.
* Improved Digital Content: Expect a surge in behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and analytical breakdowns produced in collaboration with MLB’s content team.This includes expanded coverage on the MLB app and MLB Network.
* unified Fan Experience: A more cohesive experience across the Tigers’ official website, social media channels, and MLB platforms.
* Potential for New Broadcast Packages: While local broadcast rights remain largely unchanged for now, the integration opens doors for MLB to explore new national broadcast packages featuring the Tigers.
the End of the FanDuel Partnership: A Changing Landscape
The Detroit Tigers’ multi-year partnership with FanDuel, which began in 2023, officially concludes at the end of the 2025 season. This decision reflects a growing trend of MLB teams reassessing their relationships with sports betting operators.
Several factors contributed to this shift:
* MLB’s Centralized Strategy: MLB has been actively working to centralize its sports betting partnerships, aiming for a more unified and controlled approach.
* Fan Feedback: Concerns regarding the prominence of sports betting advertising within the ballpark experience and on broadcasts were reportedly considered.
* Evolving Regulatory Surroundings: The rapidly changing legal landscape surrounding sports betting influenced the team’s decision.
* Focus on Broad Appeal: The Tigers organization stated a desire to broaden its appeal beyond the sports betting demographic.
Impact on Sports Betting and Advertising
The end of the FanDuel deal doesn’t mean sports betting disappears from Comerica Park. MLB has existing partnerships with other operators,and those opportunities will likely be explored. However, expect a more measured approach to advertising and integration.
* Reduced Branding: Less prominent FanDuel branding within the stadium and on broadcasts.
* Shift in Promotional Activities: A decrease in FanDuel-specific promotions and contests.
* Potential for New Partnerships: The Tigers are likely to explore partnerships with other brands, potentially diversifying their sponsorship portfolio.
MLB’s Broader Media Strategy: A League-Wide Trend
The Tigers aren’t alone in this move. Several other MLB teams have either integrated more closely with MLB Media or are re-evaluating their existing media partnerships.This league-wide trend is driven by several key objectives:
* Increased Revenue Control: Centralizing media rights allows MLB to negotiate more favorable deals with broadcasters and streaming services.
* enhanced Data collection: MLB can gather more complete data on fan behavior and preferences, leading to more targeted marketing and content creation.
* Improved Fan Engagement: A unified media strategy aims to create a more engaging and immersive experience for fans across all platforms.
* Protecting Brand Integrity: MLB seeks to maintain control over its brand image and ensure that partnerships align with its values.
What This Means for the Future of Tigers Coverage
The integration with MLB Media promises a more robust and consistent stream of Tigers content. Fans can anticipate:
* Deeper Analytical Insights: Leveraging MLB’s advanced analytics capabilities to provide more in-depth coverage of the team.
* Exclusive Interviews and Features: Access to exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and front office personnel.
* Expanded Coverage of Minor League System: Increased coverage of the Tigers’ farm system, providing fans with a glimpse into the future of the team.
* More Interactive Fan Experiences: Opportunities for fans to engage with the team and MLB through interactive polls, quizzes, and contests.
