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The unraveling of Main Street Sports Group continues to push professional MLB teams toward alternative broadcast models. According to a report by The Sports Business Journal, two Major League Baseball franchises appear to be exploring paths that keep local control firmly in their own hands.
According to the report, the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves are separately evaluating the creation of team-controlled regional sports networks. The teams would pursue that option rather than immediately shifting game productions to MLB Media. Those conversations remain fluid for both organizations. However, they underscore a broader pivot away from traditional RSN ownership structures. Those models have dominated the sports media landscape for the past two decades.
In Southern California, discussions involving the Angels remain in the early stages. Angels owner Arte Moreno would first need to buy out Main Street’s stake in FanDuel Sports Network West. That move would clear the path to move forward. It would allow the franchise to operate the channel independently. The shift could also open the door for the Los Angeles Kings to join the network as a rights-paying partner.
The Kings would not hold an ownership stake, but such an arrangement could stabilize local distribution for both properties during a turbulent period for RSNs.
Meanwhile, the Braves have explored a different model. The report states the MLB franchise, which is owned by Liberty Media, has held preliminary talks with the Atlanta Hawks about consolidating broadcasts under one regional umbrella in the Southeast.
While any deal would likely place control with the Braves, the concept leaves room for expansion beyond two teams.
Executives familiar with the situation told SBJ they believe a Braves-led network could leverage an existing footprint across multiple southern states. That reach could allow the network to incorporate additional professional teams if rights align. This type of multi-team model has gained traction recently. Franchises view it as protection from the financial instability that has plagued many RSN operators.
Both the Angels and Braves have asked Major League Baseball for additional time before committing to league-run distribution. While MLB has already absorbed production responsibilities for several clubs exiting Main Street agreements, not every team appears eager to relinquish autonomy or local advertising control.
The urgency stems from Main Street’s expected wind-down, which NBA and NHL teams believe could accelerate following the conclusion of the current basketball season.
League officials and team executives remain uncertain whether remaining rights payments will be fulfilled, prompting contingency planning across multiple markets.
If Main Street’s networks were to go dark abruptly, leagues are prepared to act quickly. They would shift games to direct-to-consumer platforms. Those options include services such as League Pass and NHL GameCenter. Looking ahead, teams are also vetting partnerships with independent streaming providers as long-term solutions.
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