TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas City Royals return to WIBW-TV for the 2026 season under an expanded partnership with Gray Media.
The Royals and Gray, the parent company of WIBW, announced a broadcast partnership to bring select Royals games to fans for free. The agreement covers 18 markets in 8 states, including WIBW in Topeka.
The second year of the partnership includes plans to broadcast the March 30th home opener against the Minnesota Twins. It marks the first time since 2007 that the home opener will be broadcast for free over-the-air in Kansas City.
The current schedule calls for broadcasting 10 regular-season games during the 2026 season. The games are expected to include:
March 30 – vs. Minnesota Twins (Home Opener)April 3 – vs. Milwaukee BrewersApril 24 – vs. Los Angeles AngelsMay 22 – vs. Seattle MarinersJune 12 – vs. Houston AstrosJune 19 – vs. St. Louis CardinalsJuly 17 – vs. San Diego PadresAugust 7 – vs. Chicago CubsAugust 21 – vs. Detroit TigersSeptember 7 – vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (Labor Day)
Exact assignments among WIBW’s family of channels will be announced closer to scheduled games.
WIBW’s Gray Media sister station KCTV5 led the discussions.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Royals again in 2026 to provide free over-the-air Royals games to a championship fan base here in Kansas City,” said KCTV5 General Manager Curtis Miles. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to bringing quality sports entertainment to the community we serve, and we’re proud to also highlight the exceptional work the Royals do to make Kansas City better.”
Cullen Maxey, Royals President of Business Operations, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership.
“We’re thrilled to continue and grow our partnership,” Maxey said. “We want to build those connections with fans, and we’re thrilled they can continue to access our games on cable, streaming, and local TV.”
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