MLB to produce local broadcasts for 6 more teams with fate of FanDuel Sports Network uncertain | Sports
A significant shift is underway in how Major League Baseball games are broadcast to local audiences. Six teams – the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays – will now have their local broadcasts produced and distributed directly by MLB for the current season.
The Fallout from Network Instability
This move follows the termination of agreements with Main Street Sports Group, the company operating the FanDuel Sports Network stations, after they failed to make scheduled rights payments. The Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels also ended their deals with Main Street, but have not yet announced their local coverage plans for the season. The Braves stated they were “actively preparing for this outcome” and “well on our way towards launching a new era in Braves broadcasting.”
MLB Steps In
MLB will now produce broadcasts for at least 13 teams this season, having already added the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners during the offseason. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league’s focus is to “maximize the revenue that’s available to the clubs,” and that teams are evaluating their options to secure the “best revenue source for the year.” MLB believes taking over production will expand market reach through a combination of cable, satellite, and direct-to-consumer streaming.
The situation stems from financial difficulties within the regional sports network (RSN) landscape. Main Street Sports Group rebranded the networks as FanDuel Sports Network after emerging from bankruptcy proceedings last March, but remains at risk of insolvency without new investment.
Wider Implications for Sports Broadcasting
The instability at FanDuel Sports Network is also impacting other leagues. NBA and NHL teams with broadcast agreements with Main Street are developing contingency plans, though the company has committed to carrying hockey and basketball through the end of their regular seasons. MLB has previously taken over broadcasts for the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins in recent seasons.
According to Commissioner Manfred, local media currently provides more than 20% of industry revenue. Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger acknowledged the changing landscape, stating the “universe is going to be there” for local games, but the form of delivery – whether traditional RSNs, streaming, or a hybrid model – remains to be determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted these six teams to change broadcast partners?
The Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays terminated their deals with Main Street Sports Group after the company failed to make scheduled rights payments.
How many teams will MLB be producing broadcasts for this season?
MLB will produce broadcasts for at least 13 teams this season, including the six mentioned above, as well as the Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins.
What is the current status of FanDuel Sports Network?
FanDuel Sports Network is on the verge of insolvency and going out of business if a new majority owner or investors are not found, despite continuing to broadcast NBA and NHL games for now.
How will these changes affect the future of local sports broadcasting?