Image Source: Matthew Dietz
Key Takeaways:
- The Cincinnati Reds are among nine MLB teams to cancel their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network
- The teams are canceling contracts to protect themselves in case Main Street Sports Group, FanDuel’s parent company, declares bankruptcy
- The cancellation leaves the Reds’ television home for the 2026 season in question
- MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is prepared to take over team broadcasts if necessary
- The Reds will open the 2026 season at Great American Ball Park against the Boston Red Sox on March 26
Introduction to the Situation
The Cincinnati Reds, along with eight other Major League Baseball teams, have reportedly canceled their contracts with FanDuel Sports Network, the team’s television home since 2021. According to multiple reports, including The Athletic and ESPN, the teams have terminated their deals with FanDuel Sports Network’s parent company, Main Street Sports Group. As stated in the report, "the teams canceling the contracts are doing so to protect themselves, if Main Street Sports Group were to declare bankruptcy." This move is seen as a precautionary measure to safeguard the teams’ interests in case the parent company faces financial difficulties.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The primary reason behind the cancellation of the contracts is to protect the teams from potential financial losses if Main Street Sports Group were to declare bankruptcy. By terminating the contracts, the teams are ensuring that they are not locked into a deal with a company that may not be able to fulfill its obligations. As reported by ESPN, "the termination of the contracts would not preclude the Reds or any other team from returning to FanDuel Sports Network on renegotiated deals." This suggests that the door is still open for the teams to return to FanDuel Sports Network, but on terms that are more favorable to the teams.
Impact on the Reds’ Television Home
The cancellation of the contracts leaves the Reds’ television home for the 2026 season in question. The team had previously signed a deal with FanDuel Sports Network Ohio for the 2025 season, but the future of their television broadcasts is now uncertain. As the report states, "the Reds will open the 2026 season at Great American Ball Park against the Boston Red Sox on March 26," but it is unclear which network will broadcast the games. In the past, MLB has taken over team broadcasts if the need arises, and reports suggest that commissioner Rob Manfred is prepared to do so again if necessary.
Precedent for MLB Intervention
MLB has a history of intervening in team broadcasts when necessary. In the past, the league has taken over broadcasts when a team’s television contract has expired or been terminated. According to the report, "MLB has taken over team broadcasts if the need arises, and reports state that commissioner Rob Manfred is prepared for that possibility this year." This suggests that the league is prepared to step in and ensure that the Reds’ games are broadcast, even if a new deal with FanDuel Sports Network or another network is not reached.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The cancellation of the contracts between the Cincinnati Reds and FanDuel Sports Network has significant implications for the team’s television home in the 2026 season. While the team’s future broadcasts are uncertain, the league’s history of intervening in such situations suggests that the games will still be broadcast. As the report quotes, "the Reds had similar uncertainty over their TV contract last offseason, before ultimately returning to FanDuel Sports Network Ohio for the 2025 season." This suggests that the team may still return to FanDuel Sports Network, but on terms that are more favorable to the team. Ultimately, the situation highlights the complexities and uncertainties of television contracts in professional sports, and the need for teams to be proactive in protecting their interests.
https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-reds-tv-fanduel-sports-network-mlb-contracts/69950562
