Image Source: JR Radcliffe
Key Takeaways
- The Milwaukee Brewers and eight other MLB teams have canceled their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network’s parent company, Main Street Sports
- The move could allow Brewers broadcasts to move to a different network starting in 2026
- The teams could still renegotiate new deals to remain with the service
- Main Street Sports has faced financial issues, including bankruptcy and missed payments to teams
- MLB has been pushing for a model that includes broadcasting rights for all its teams, which could lead to more games being available on the MLB app
Introduction to the Situation
The Milwaukee Brewers, along with eight other Major League Baseball teams, have made a significant move by canceling their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network’s parent company, Main Street Sports. This decision has opened the door for Brewers broadcasts to potentially move to a different network starting in 2026. As reported by Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the affected teams, which include the Braves, Reds, Tigers, Royals, Angels, Marlins, Cardinals, and Rays, could still renegotiate new deals to remain with the service. However, the fact that Main Street Sports has faced financial issues, including bankruptcy and missed payments to teams, has raised concerns about the company’s ability to fulfill its obligations.
Background on Main Street Sports
Main Street Sports, formerly known as Diamond Sports Group, has been facing financial difficulties for some time. The company went into bankruptcy in 2023, but was able to renegotiate deals with its clubs and continue operating. However, the company’s financial struggles have persisted, with reports indicating that it has missed payments to multiple teams, including the Cardinals and Marlins. As Main Street Sports stated, "We welcome re-negotiated deals with our clubs," which suggests that the company is open to working with the teams to find a solution. Despite this, the company’s financial woes have led to speculation about its future, with some reports suggesting that it may be forced to close if it cannot secure a sale or new investment.
Impact on the Brewers and Other Teams
The cancellation of the contracts with Main Street Sports could have significant implications for the Brewers and the other affected teams. If the teams are unable to renegotiate new deals with Main Street Sports, they may be forced to find alternative broadcast partners. This could lead to changes in the way that games are broadcast and made available to fans. For example, the Brewers had previously announced that they would be handing over broadcasts to MLB, with games moving to a Brewers-specific channel on satellite and cable. As the team stated, "Costs for fans would remain roughly the same under that model," which suggests that the team is committed to making games available to fans at a reasonable price.
MLB’s Push for Broadcasting Rights
The situation with Main Street Sports has highlighted the ongoing efforts of Major League Baseball to secure broadcasting rights for all of its teams. As the league has stated, its goal is to offer every broadcast on its MLB app and cut down on blackout restrictions built into contracts with local broadcasters. This would allow fans to access games more easily and would provide the league with greater control over its broadcasting rights. According to MLB, "We believe that this model will provide the best possible experience for our fans and will allow us to continue to grow the game of baseball." By pushing for a model that includes broadcasting rights for all its teams, MLB is seeking to create a more streamlined and convenient experience for fans, while also increasing its own revenue and control over its broadcasting rights.
Potential Outcomes
The outcome of the situation with Main Street Sports is still uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether the affected teams will be able to renegotiate new deals with the company or will be forced to find alternative broadcast partners. However, one thing is clear: the situation has highlighted the complexities and challenges of the sports broadcasting industry. As Evan Drellich noted, "The situation with Main Street Sports is a reminder that the sports broadcasting landscape is constantly evolving, and that teams and leagues must be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances." Ultimately, the goal of MLB and the affected teams is to ensure that games are made available to fans in a way that is convenient, affordable, and of high quality. Whether this is achieved through a new deal with Main Street Sports or through alternative arrangements remains to be seen.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2026/01/08/brewers-other-mlb-teams-cancel-contract-with-fanduel-sports-network/88091694007/
