Financial troubles at Main Street Sports Group, operator of FanDuel Sports Network, have put next season's television income for nine Major League Baseball teams at risk. The company missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals last month and is seeking to renegotiate deals with its partners. This uncertainty adds complications to an already slow MLB offseason.
Main Street Sports Group reported losses of approximately $200 million in 2025 across its portfolio, which includes regional sports networks broadcasting games for teams in MLB, NBA, and NHL. The company is attempting to renegotiate payments to 29 partner teams, affecting nearly one-third of MLB clubs: the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays.
The situation escalated late last month when Main Street missed a rights payment to the Cardinals. People briefed on the discussions said the Cardinals are now weighing whether to continue with FanDuel Sports Network under revised terms or seek alternatives. "We are currently working with FanDuel Sports Network, Major League Baseball, and other stakeholders regarding our alternatives for local media distribution," the Cardinals stated in late December. "We remain committed to ensuring that Cardinals games continue to be available to fans throughout our broadcast territory on cable and through direct-to-consumer streaming options in 2026."
An anonymous MLB general manager noted the impact on roster decisions: "You don’t know what your income is. It does make a difference." Another club executive added, "In the event we thought we’d make X and now we’re making Y, you can always make decisions independent of that, but I’m sure that’s going to be a reality for all of these teams."
Main Street issued a statement: "Main Street Sports Group is in dialogue with its team and league partners around the timing of rights payments as we progress discussions with strategic partners to further enhance our long-term capital position."
MLB is positioned to assume broadcast responsibilities for any departing teams, having managed productions for several clubs in recent seasons. Revenues for regional sports networks have declined amid cord-cutting and streaming shifts, prompting previous league aid in 2024 that will not be repeated. The Cardinals, Braves, Brewers, and Royals declined comment, while others did not respond immediately.
This marks the third consecutive offseason of TV revenue uncertainty for some MLB teams, underscoring ongoing challenges in the traditional broadcast model.
