The regional sports network landscape faces another major shakeup as financial troubles force teams to abandon broadcast partnerships.
Nine Major League Baseball teams walked away from Main Street Sports Group in January 2026, seeking more stable broadcasting options. The move highlights growing concerns about the network operator’s ability to fulfill its obligations. Teams are now weighing their options between MLB’s in-house production or finding new third-party partners.
The departures mark the latest crisis for a company that emerged from bankruptcy less than a year ago. Main Street Sports Group missed payments to multiple franchises throughout the winter months. This decision reshapes how millions of fans will watch their favorite teams play.
Let’s break down what exactly happened.
The Teams Making the Exit
Main Street Sports Group lost contracts with nine franchises scattered across the country.
The affected teams include the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays. These clubs had signed one-year agreements after Main Street emerged from bankruptcy in early 2025. The short-term nature of those deals gave teams flexibility to walk away.
Each franchise operated under the FanDuel Sports Network brand during the 2025 season. Teams made the decision to terminate after Main Street missed multiple payments in recent months. The Cardinals and Marlins were among the first to experience payment delays. Other teams reportedly faced similar issues as financial problems deepened throughout the winter.
From Bankruptcy to Crisis Again
Main Street Sports Group emerged from Chapter 11 proceedings in January 2025, but stability proved fleeting.
The company formerly known as Diamond Sports Group reduced its debt from $9 billion to $200 million through bankruptcy restructuring. The transformation included rebranding to Main Street Sports Group and securing naming rights with FanDuel. A commercial agreement with Amazon added to the optimism surrounding the fresh start in early 2025.
Less than a year later, the financial foundation crumbled again. Sports Business Journal reported the company would dissolve after the current NBA and NHL seasons without a successful sale. Talks with streaming platform DAZN appeared promising but ultimately faltered. The proposed deal required teams to accept massive pay cuts and surrender digital rights through the decade.
Financial Impact on Baseball Revenue
Local media deals represent a critical revenue stream that teams cannot afford to lose.
Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that local media provides more than 20% of industry revenue across Major League Baseball. This share exceeds the NBA and NHL, making baseball particularly vulnerable to broadcast disruptions. The percentage translates to billions of dollars annually that fund player salaries and team operations.
Teams affected by the Main Street situation face difficult financial planning challenges. Several franchises have already committed significant money to player payroll for the 2026 season. The uncertainty around broadcast revenue complicates decisions about free agent signings and trades. Some teams previously received up to $15 million in assistance during 2024, but no similar program exists for 2025.
MLB Steps In as Backup Option
The league stands ready to produce and distribute games for teams without broadcasting partners.
Major League Baseball currently handles broadcasts for six teams, including the Diamondbacks, Padres, Guardians, Rockies, Twins, and Mariners. The Nationals are expected to join this group after leaving the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. MLB has built infrastructure and expertise to manage local game production since taking over the Padres in May 2023.
Commissioner Manfred assured fans that games will air regardless of what happens with Main Street. The league controls the timing, and teams can move to MLB Media whenever they choose. Teams currently evaluate whether MLB’s in-house option or a third-party solution provides better revenue and broadcast quality. The flexibility gives franchises leverage in negotiations.
The Path Forward for Teams
Franchises explore multiple alternatives while keeping the door open for renegotiation.
Teams could potentially return to Main Street Sports Group if the company finds a buyer and stabilizes financially. Any new agreement would require convincing evidence that payment issues are resolved permanently. FuboTV emerged as a possible buyer according to recent reports, though nothing has been finalized yet.
MLB aims to create a centralized distribution model for all 30 teams by 2028. Most current broadcast contracts are structured to expire before that deadline. The timing aligns with the league’s broader strategy to consolidate local rights under one umbrella. Teams that join MLB Media now position themselves for this transition.
What Fans Can Expect
Game broadcasts will continue without interruption despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Commissioner Manfred emphasized that fans will have access to games through Main Street, a third party, or MLB Media. The league prioritizes maintaining broadcast quality and ensuring fans can watch their teams. Distribution channels may shift, but the actual viewing experience should remain consistent for most markets.
Teams already under MLB Media have reported smooth transitions with no games missed. The production quality matches what regional sports networks previously delivered. Cable and satellite providers continue carrying the broadcasts, minimizing disruption for viewers.
Looking Ahead to 2028
Major League Baseball plans to revolutionize how fans access local games within two years.
The league works toward a unified system where all 30 teams operate under one national distribution umbrella. This model would replace the current patchwork of regional sports networks and individual team deals. Centralized control could enable more consistent pricing and broader availability across streaming platforms. The ESPN app will eventually distribute MLB-produced games directly to fans.
Teams currently negotiating broadcast rights are careful to avoid commitments extending past 2028. The strategic timing preserves flexibility for joining the league’s new system. The success of this transition depends on generating revenue comparable to previous regional sports network deals. The next two years will determine whether MLB’s vision becomes reality or requires adjustment.
TL;DR
- Nine MLB teams terminated contracts with Main Street Sports Group due to missed payments and financial instability.
- Main Street emerged from bankruptcy in January 2025 but faces potential dissolution without a buyer.
- Local media provides over 20% of MLB revenue, making broadcast deals critical to team finances.
- MLB is prepared to produce and distribute games for affected teams through its in-house media operation.
- The league aims to consolidate all 30 teams under a centralized distribution model by 2028.
- Fans will continue accessing games through various platforms regardless of behind-the-scenes changes.
Read More:
- The Importance of Clubhouse Leaders in MLB Success
- How Minor League Life Shapes MLB Stars
- Legendary MLB Contracts That Changed the League
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
