Major League Baseball (MLB) is gearing up for some big changes in 2026. Six teams—the Brewers, Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals, and Reds—will switch to MLB for their broadcasts. This follows the termination of deals with Main Street Sports, which has struggled to stay afloat in recent years. Only the Braves, Tigers, and Angels from the original group still need to sort out their broadcast plans.
The decline of regional sports networks (RSNs) has been a hot topic. These networks have faced challenges for years, mainly due to more people cutting the cord and shifting to streaming services. Formerly known as Diamond Sports Group and operating under the Bally Sports brand, the company went through bankruptcy in 2023 and emerged in late 2024 with a new name tied to FanDuel Sports. However, recent missed payments to teams led to more teams pulling out.
In the past, MLB has already taken over broadcasts for teams like the Padres and Diamondbacks when their RSN deals fell apart. This strategy has allowed fans without cable to watch games directly through the league, making it easier for non-cable subscribers. Yet, financially, this switch isn’t as good for teams. Instead of a fixed payment from RSNs, they now receive variable income based on streaming views. According to Travis Sawchik from MLB.com, this new model brings in about 50% of the previous RSN agreement.
This financial pinch has consequences on the field. Teams like the Padres and Twins have trimmed their budgets in recent years. For example, the Padres’ financial situation influenced key player trades, including Juan Soto moving to the Yankees.
In September, ESPN picked up local broadcast rights for several teams for the next three years, leaving fans wondering how this will affect streaming for those teams. As of now, the Mariners and Nationals will also follow suit and move to MLB’s model, suggesting that the league will have control over at least 13 teams next season.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is keen on creating a streaming package similar to MLB.TV but without local blackouts. Managing a large portion of the league’s broadcast rights will make that goal easier. However, many big-market teams still have solid RSN arrangements and may be reluctant to join this new model.
Looking ahead, many broadcasting deals will expire after 2028, allowing MLB to tailor its broadcasting strategy significantly. Recent changes in ESPN’s deals show that MLB can be flexible, selling rights piecemeal to various companies, including Netflix and NBC/Peacock.
These broadcasting shifts could affect upcoming collective bargaining agreements. With the current agreement set to expire on December 1, there’s a desire to avoid any disruptions that could impact game attendance and ratings, which have been on the rise, potentially thanks to the new pitch clock.
For fans of the teams involved, updates on streaming options are on the way. The Cardinals have announced their streaming prices at $19.99 monthly or $99.99 for the season. Meanwhile, Marlins fans await more clarity on their broadcast situation.
As these changes unfold, it’s clear that MLB’s approach to broadcasting will continue evolving, adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. This adaptability is crucial not just for financial stability but also for maintaining fan engagement in an ever-changing media landscape.
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