The Detroit Tigers, along with six other MLB teams, severed their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network due to the company’s failure to fully fulfill its licensing obligations—a move that has shaken the regional sports television market.

This has forced many pioneering teams to seek alternatives, from switching to MLB Media for live game production and distribution to more strategic discussions. Among them, the Tigers – owned by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment – ​​are considering developing a complete local sports network.

While most other teams are planning to move to live streaming on MLB TV platforms or the MLB app, the Tigers understand that fans don’t just want to watch baseball on the internet – they want a stronger connection to the team and the city.

One proposal gaining traction is to create a Regional Sports Network (RSN) dedicated to Detroit, encompassing the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and Detroit Red Wings – with fans hoping to bring together all of the city’s major teams on a single channel. This idea sparked heated debate within the fan community, with many even seeing it as a “historic opportunity” for Detroit to revive its local sports broadcasting tradition in its own way.

Hundreds of fans joined the online discussion after news of the RSN plan spread. One fan wrote:

“Detroit used to have its own channel to watch its home team – now it’s time we got that back. Not just the Tigers, but the Pistons and Red Wings too.”

Another stressed:

“If not now, then when? We need to be ourselves instead of relying on FanDuel or other big networks.”

While the proposal is emotionally appealing and strongly community-oriented, the reality remains complex. A dedicated RSN channel would require investment in technology, a dedicated production team, licensing agreements and negotiations with other sports teams, and of course, consensus among major owners like Tom Gores (Detroit Pistons) and other partners.

The RSN market is also undergoing profound changes across the US, particularly with the gradual collapse of the old model as a number of MLB teams have moved away from traditional networks. This has led many to question whether a team-managed solution is more sustainable than outsourcing.

Tiger isn’t new to thinking about media control. While still under contract with the old network, the team hired play-by-play announcers Dan Dickerson and Jason Benetti as on-site staff to ensure that, regardless of the changing broadcasting platform, television quality and consistency would be maintained.

This move shows that the Tigers are not only reacting to the collapse of their broadcast partner, but are also proactively preparing for their own local television future.

While the Detroit RSN proposal is heating up, MLB has also stepped in to support game production and distribution for many other teams due to difficulties with Main Street Sports Group. Thirteen MLB teams, including the Reds, Royals, and Cardinals, have requested MLB’s direct local production for the 2026 season.

However, the Tigers and several other teams have yet to officially decide whether to switch to the MLB Media model or choose their own solution. This opens a strategic window: Detroit could become a new model for large-market teams as traditional RSNs increasingly lose value.

If the Detroit RSN proposal is realized, it would be a historic turning point not only for the Tigers but also for the entire regional sports fan community. Instead of relying on large external networks, Detroit can create its own broadcasting system – a hub for favorite games, familiar announcer voices, and iconic team moments.

Times are changing.
Fans want their voices heard.

And in Detroit, a bold plan is beginning.

Will a Detroit sports channel be launched? Fans will decide.