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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has struck a landmark media agreement with Major League Baseball that reshapes how local broadcasts will be produced and distributed for two of Detroit’s most prominent franchises, offering long-term clarity amid ongoing instability across the regional sports network landscape.
Beginning with the 2026 season, Detroit Tigers games will be produced and distributed directly by Major League Baseball, marking the first time the league has entered into a comprehensive, team-specific partnership of this scope with a club ownership group. The arrangement expands further in 2026-27, when the Detroit Red Wings transition into the same ecosystem, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment overseeing production while MLB supports backend processes.
The partnership creates a centralized platform for fans across Michigan and the teams’ broader home television territories. It allows access to games and related content through both traditional broadcasts and direct-to-consumer options.
While details regarding cable, satellite, and streaming distribution have not been finalized, the company emphasized continuity. Fans should expect viewing options to remain consistent with current methods. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson described the move as a proactive response to growing uncertainty. He pointed to ongoing financial disruptions within the regional sports broadcasting model. Gustafson also cited continued rights instability across multiple markets.
“We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we’ve heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that’s informative and entertaining in all the right ways,” said Gustafson. “This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market.”
Outside of nationally selected telecasts, Tigers and Red Wings games will remain available throughout the local market. Fans can access games through cable or satellite packages. Streaming subscriptions will also offer access, ensuring broad reach across platform preferences.
Under the Tigers portion of the agreement, MLB will handle full broadcast production and distribution responsibilities. That includes negotiating carriage agreements and operating a direct-to-consumer streaming service. Detroit’s established on-air team is expected to return for the 2026 season. The group is led by Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson on play-by-play. Analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry are also expected back.
The transition follows a surge in viewership during the Tigers’ 2025 campaign. Per-game streamers increased by 121 percent. Per-game household impressions jumped 101 percent. Only five U.S.-based teams surpassed Detroit in average per-game viewership last season. Just two teams posted a higher overall rating.
The Red Wings will complete the shift following the 2025-26 NHL season. Coverage on FanDuel Sports Network is expected to continue through the end of the current agreement, with additional details regarding future distribution to be announced closer to the 2026-27 season.
Longtime broadcast voices Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are expected to remain central figures in Red Wings telecasts moving forward.
Taken together, the agreement positions Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and MLB at the forefront of a shifting local media model, one designed to stabilize team broadcasts while adapting to how fans increasingly choose to watch.
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