Detroit — In a move that has sent Michigan and MLB fans into a frenzy, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings have officially announced a strategic broadcasting agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB), completely changing how fans will follow these two legendary teams starting in the 2026 season. This information was confirmed in a press release issued today, marking a major turning point in the rapidly changing landscape of regional sports broadcasting.
According to the announcement, the Detroit Tigers are officially leaving FanDuel Sports Network and Main Street Sports Group and partnering with MLB to produce and distribute games for the 2026 season. The agreement is described as “a major step forward in ensuring that fans in the Detroit area and throughout Michigan can watch the Tigers and Red Wings wherever and whenever they want.”
Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment—the organization that owns both the Tigers and the Red Wings—emphasized:
“In the face of the uncertainty facing the regional sports broadcasting industry, providing fans with a reliable year-round destination to watch baseball and hockey is critically important.”
Fans of the Tigers and Red Wings have long complained about the inconsistency and inaccessibility of games through traditional local television channels. With this decision, MLB will directly produce, operate, distribute, and broadcast Tigers games, while also working with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to support the Red Wings in the 2026–27 season.
This means that, starting with the 2026 MLB season, fans will no longer be dependent on an unstable regional sports network as before. The games will be accessible through more platforms — cable, satellite, and live streaming packages — promising a significant expansion of the reach of these two iconic teams.
Under the new plan, beloved commentators Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson will continue to call the game for the Tigers, with Andy Dirks and Dan Petry retaining their familiar analytical commentary roles. This helps maintain consistent broadcast quality despite the major changes in the production model.
For the Red Wings, veteran commentators Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are also expected to continue leading future hockey broadcasts.
MLB becoming the direct producer and distributor of Tigers games ensures consistent quality and wider accessibility, while addressing the challenges faced by regional sports networks like FanDuel Sports Network. This comes as many other MLB teams have also switched their broadcasting rights to MLB Local Media due to the collapse of the traditional RSN system.
The main reason is the uncertainty of the regional sports television model, forcing teams to seek a larger and more stable partner to ensure they can deliver game footage to their fans.
Detroit fans reacted strongly to the news, especially after years of missing games due to television restrictions or subscription barriers on previous sports networks. One fan wrote: “I’m so frustrated I can’t watch all the Tigers games every season. Now, if things become more accessible, that’s a miracle.”
Another commented: “If MLB and Detroit do this well, we’ll have a new broadcasting model — not just for baseball, but for all local sports.”
This is more than just a change in where games are broadcast. It also carries a deeper meaning about Detroit’s love of sports, where the Tigers and Red Wings are more than just teams — they are symbols of the community, unconditional pride, and a connection between generations of fans.
Improving broadcast access doesn’t just serve to watch the game — it also helps connect the community, boost the local economy, and nurture a younger generation of fans through a more accessible viewing experience.
While the deal has been announced, new details regarding:
participating cable and satellite packages,
live streaming subscription pricing,
and distribution across popular digital platforms,
will be announced in the near future.
This will be a time for fans to closely observe how MLB and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment make this leap — and whether this development will reshape the entire local sports broadcasting landscape in the United States.
With the current agreement, the Tigers will enter the 2026 MLB season with a new broadcasting model – where games are not only easier to watch but also more accurately reflect modern entertainment and fan expectations. The Red Wings are also preparing to embark on a new chapter in the 2026–27 NHL season.
This isn’t just sports news — it’s a rebirth of how Detroit connects with the teams the city calls home.
