MLB Steps In to Save Detroit Sports Broadcasts From RSN Collapse

The Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, both owned by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, have inked a first-of-its-kind deal with Major League Baseball to take over local game broadcasts, creating a new survival model as their regional sports network partner faces collapse.

• A house of cards: The arrangement secures a future for the Detroit teams, whose games were on the FanDuel Sports Network, formerly Bally Sports. That network's operator, the financially troubled Main Street Sports Group, is set to shut down after the current season, forcing numerous pro teams to scramble for a new home on the airwaves.

• Flipping the playbook: Under the unique venture, MLB will produce and distribute games for the Tigers starting in 2026. The roles will flip for the Red Wings in the 2026-27 season: Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will produce the games itself, while leaning on MLB's infrastructure for distribution.

• The stability promise: The core promise from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is stability for fans, keeping games on the air through a mix of cable, satellite, and streaming. "Given recent uncertainty... we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey,” said CEO Ryan Gustafson.

The Detroit deal provides a snapshot of sports media's tectonic realignment. With MLB already slated to handle local broadcasts for more than a dozen of its teams, this cross-sport model could become a template for other leagues navigating the post-RSN world.