DETROIT – In a move that will shake the Detroit sports world, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment – ​​owner of both the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings – has announced the launch of Detroit SportsNet, a brand-new regional sports network that will broadcast live all games of the city’s two strongest teams starting in the 2026 season. This is not just a technological breakthrough, but a strategic move to bring the pride of the “Detroit Grit” back into fans’ living rooms after years of neglect.

Amidst the declining influence of traditional cable television providers, Detroit SportsNet is expected to give Michigan fans unprecedented access to their favorite team. This network will broadcast Tigers games starting in the 2026 MLB season, before expanding to the Red Wings in the 2026–27 NHL season with richer pre- and post-game content.

Along with expanding its broadcasting platform, Detroit SportsNet also aims to more strongly connect the fan community with the city’s biggest sports organization – from spring exhibition games to crucial playoff games.

The launch of Detroit SportsNet marks a dramatic shift away from the traditional RSN system, which for years dominated broadcasting rights in Detroit. It’s no coincidence that this decision comes at a time when MLS and its RSN partners are struggling with payment issues and changing broadcasting strategies.

Specifically, previous contracts with FanDuel Sports Network – which led to a series of broadcasting rights difficulties last season – have ended, paving the way for Detroit SportsNet to emerge as a new solution. This ensures games are streamed live on cable, satellite, and local streaming platforms, expanding accessibility for viewers of all ages and devices.

Detroit is a city known for its rich sporting history, where fans love passionate games and an unyielding fighting spirit. However, for many years, loyal fans have complained about the difficulty of watching their favorite team due to copyright issues and limitations of older RSN networks.

Detroit SportsNet is expected to be the “new home” for Tigers and Red Wings fans. The plan includes:

Broadcasting all Tigers games in the 2026 season, including Spring Training and home/on-screen games, via cable, satellite, and streaming.

Expanding to include Red Wings games in the 2026–27 season with supplementary content: game replays and in-depth pre- and post-game analysis.

Detroit SportsNet positions itself as a dedicated channel where fans can fully experience the city’s sports history and future.

Immediately after the announcement, the Detroit fan community expressed mixed but hopeful emotions. On Reddit and social media, viewers shared:

“Finally, we have our own voice. A channel for both the Tigers and the Red Wings is something we’ve long dreamed of.”

Some expressed concerns about the cost of subscribing to the new streaming service, but the majority felt it was the right step to bring the team closer to the community.

Detroit SportsNet is more than just a regular broadcast channel. It symbolizes the resurgence of Detroit sports – a place where people are accustomed to victories but also experience periods of ups and downs. Creating a dedicated platform for the Tigers and Red Wings is a powerful statement that:

Detroit is not being left behind.

Fans deserve direct and comprehensive access to their team.

This city continues to rewrite its sporting history in a modern and sustainable way.

In the context of MLB and NHL competing to retain fans in the turbulent era of streaming, Detroit SportsNet’s timely arrival could pave the way for new broadcasting models across America.

Moreover, it’s a tool for the Red Wings and Tigers to maintain a strong connection with their local audience – those who have placed their faith in the team through countless challenging seasons.

Detroit SportsNet is more than just a television channel. It’s where every Tigers swing and every Red Wings score reaches every living room, café, and smartphone screen of fans.

This is an opportunity for the city to have its own powerful call, a sporting call that resonates throughout North America: Detroit is back and ready to fight!