Fans within the teams’ home television territory, which includes all of Michigan, will continue accessing games through cable, satellite and streaming options.

DETROIT — Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announced Monday a groundbreaking partnership with Major League Baseball that will handle broadcast production and distribution for both the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, marking the first arrangement of its kind in professional sports.

The partnership begins with the Tigers’ 2026 MLB season and extends to the Red Wings starting with the 2026-27 NHL season, according to a release from the organization.

Under the agreement, MLB will produce and distribute Tigers games, handling broadcast production, distribution agreements and direct-to-consumer streaming operations. For the Red Wings, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will maintain production duties while MLB assists with production processes beginning after the 2025-26 season concludes.

“Given recent uncertainty throughout the regional sports broadcasting industry, we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.

Fans within the teams’ home television territory, which includes all of Michigan, will continue accessing games through cable, satellite and streaming options similar to those currently available. Specific provider and subscription details will be announced later.

Broadcast teams expected to return

The Tigers’ broadcast team, including play-by-play voices Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson along with analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry, are all expected to return for 2026.

For the Red Wings, the duo of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond, voted the top NHL broadcast team in back-to-back seasons in The Athletic’s annual fan survey, are expected to continue for years to come. Red Wings coverage on FanDuel Sports Network will continue through the end of this season.

The partnership follows significant viewership gains for the Tigers in 2025, with per-game streaming up 121% and per-game household impressions increasing 101%. Only five U.S.-based teams posted higher per-game viewership last season, and only two achieved a higher average rating, according to the release.

All games not selected for national broadcasts will air throughout the market via cable, satellite or streaming subscription.