San Antonio, Texas, January 9, 2026
Major League Baseball (MLB) will produce and distribute local broadcasts for nine teams after a fallout with FanDuel Sports Network. The St. Louis Cardinals and eight other teams ended their agreements due to financial issues faced by Main Street Sports Group. Commissioner Rob Manfred assured fans of continued access to games while emphasizing the importance of local media for the league’s revenue. MLB’s proactive stance aims to maintain broadcast quality and engage with fans despite recent challenges, reflecting the league’s commitment to both the sport and community initiatives.
San Antonio, Texas
Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to take the reins on producing and distributing local broadcasts for nine teams after they severed ties with the FanDuel Sports Network. This development follows Main Street Sports Group’s failure to pay the St. Louis Cardinals their December dues, resulting in broadcast agreements ending for the Cardinals, Braves, Reds, Tigers, Royals, Angels, Marlins, Brewers, and Rays. Commissioner Rob Manfred assured fans that the games will remain accessible regardless of broadcasting changes.
MLB has previously stepped in to manage broadcasts for teams including the Padres, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Guardians, and Twins, and is looking to add the Mariners and possibly the Nationals in 2026. Following its 2023 rebranding after bankruptcy, Main Street Sports Group faces scrutiny as teams explore new ways to enhance revenue and improve broadcast quality. Manfred stressed the integral role of local media, which accounts for over 20% of the league’s revenue, while also clarifying that no financial assistance will be extended for 2025, a contrast to the support offered in 2024. This announcement came during a community service initiative focused on foster care children, emphasizing MLB’s dedication to social responsibilities.
Background on Broadcast Agreements
In November 2025, several teams—including the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Milwaukee Brewers—renewed their media rights contracts with Main Street Sports Group, fortifying a fan-centric model for local sports. This decision guaranteed that their broadcasts would be featured across the distribution networks of the FanDuel Sports Network, providing fans with access via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms as well as a direct-to-consumer app for improved coverage.
MLB’s Preparedness to Ensure Broadcast Continuity
MLB’s readiness to assume broadcasting duties for the affected teams reflects the league’s commitment to ensuring fan engagement remains intact. Commissioner Manfred’s statements emphasize a proactive stance in tackling broadcasting hurdles, underlining a dedication to delivering reliable and high-quality sports content.
Impact on Fans and Future Broadcasts
The end of agreements with FanDuel Sports Network raises pivotal questions regarding the future landscape of local sports broadcasting and the viability of regional sports networks. Fans are encouraged to stay informed about potential changes in broadcast schedules and consider alternative viewing methods to continue supporting their cherished teams.
MLB’s Financial Strategy and Support
Manfred’s focus on maximizing diverse revenue channels through broadcasting encapsulates MLB’s strategic vision for long-term financial sustainability. The decision against providing any financial assistance for 2025 signals a shift towards empowering teams to secure more lucrative and reliable broadcasting partnerships.
MLB’s Community Engagement Initiatives
Apart from addressing broadcasting issues, MLB continues to engage with the community through initiatives such as the volunteer program for foster care children, reflecting the league’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Conclusion
As MLB navigates the intricate dynamics of broadcast agreements and fiscal strategies, the league remains focused on ensuring access for fans to their preferred teams while upholding the integrity of the sport. Maintaining open channels of communication and ensuring transparency will be vital in preserving fan trust during this transitional phase.
FAQ
- Which MLB teams have ended their agreements with the FanDuel Sports Network?
- The nine teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays.
- Why did these teams terminate their agreements with FanDuel Sports Network?
- Main Street Sports Group, which operates the FanDuel networks, failed to make its December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals, leading to the termination of broadcast deals for these teams.
- What is MLB’s plan for broadcasting games for these teams?
- MLB is prepared to produce and distribute local broadcasts for the affected teams, ensuring that fans continue to have access to games regardless of the broadcasting entity.
- Has MLB previously taken over broadcasts for other teams?
- Yes, MLB has previously taken over broadcasts for teams such as the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins, and plans to add the Seattle Mariners and potentially the Washington Nationals in 2026.
- What is the significance of local media in MLB’s revenue?
- Local media contributes over 20% of industry revenues, highlighting its importance in MLB’s financial structure.
- Will MLB provide financial assistance to teams for broadcasting in 2025?
- No, MLB confirmed that no financial aid would be provided for 2025, unlike in 2024 when discretionary funds were made available to teams whose local media revenue had declined since 2022 or 2023.
- What community initiatives is MLB involved in?
- MLB is involved in community initiatives such as the volunteer effort for foster care children, part of the league’s effort to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Teams Affected | St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays |
| Reason for Termination | Main Street Sports Group failed to make its December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. |
| MLB’s Response | Prepared to produce and distribute local broadcasts for the affected teams |
| Previous MLB Broadcast Takeovers | San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins |
| Local Media Revenue Contribution | Over 20% of industry revenues |
| Financial Assistance for 2025 | No financial aid provided, unlike in 2024 |
| MLB Community Initiative | Volunteer effort for foster care children to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. |
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