Nine Major League Baseball teams have ended their broadcasting contracts with Main Street Sports, the operator of the FanDuel Sports Network, amid the company's financial difficulties. The move comes after missed payments to some teams, prompting them to explore alternatives including potential takeover by the league. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred assured fans that games will continue to be available regardless of the outcome.
The Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays announced the termination of their contracts with Main Street Sports on January 9, 2026. This decision follows reports of the company's precarious financial state, including missed payments to teams such as the Cardinals in December and the Marlins. Main Street Sports, formerly known as Diamond Sports Group and operating under the Bally Sports and now FanDuel Sports Network banners, has been struggling since filing for bankruptcy in March 2023. The company emerged from bankruptcy in November 2024 but has since faced ongoing challenges in the evolving regional sports network (RSN) landscape, driven by cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services.
Talks between the teams and Main Street Sports are ongoing, with possibilities for renegotiated deals. However, the teams are distancing themselves to avoid entanglement in potential bankruptcy proceedings and to secure stable broadcasting options. MLB is prepared to step in, as it has for other clubs like the San Diego Padres in 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Guardians in 2025. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league's readiness during a Thursday event, stating, "No matter what happens, whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB media, fans are going to have the games."
He added, "The clubs have control over the timing. They can make a decision to move to MLB Media because of the contractual status now. I think that what’s happening right now clubs are evaluating their alternatives."
This development exacerbates revenue uncertainties for the affected teams, which have historically relied on lucrative RSN deals. Lower broadcasting fees could impact player payrolls, as seen with the Padres and Twins balancing contention with reduced spending. The situation also affects Main Street Sports' negotiations with NBA and NHL partners. Broader implications loom for MLB's broadcasting future, with many deals expiring after 2028 and the league eyeing a unified streaming service.
