Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will partner with MLB to transform Detroit Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts, beginning in the 2026 seasons.

DETROIT — Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Major League Baseball that will change how Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings games are broadcast beginning in the 2026 seasons.

The agreement provides broadcast support for the Tigers starting with the 2026 MLB season and for the Red Wings beginning with the 2026–27 NHL season. The partnership creates a new platform allowing fans across the teams’ home television territories, including all of Michigan, to watch games through cable, satellite, and streaming options.

Fans will continue to access games through similar viewing options as recent seasons. Details on specific providers and direct-to-consumer streaming subscriptions will be announced later.

“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.

Aside from nationally televised games, Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts will remain available throughout the local market via traditional television packages or streaming subscriptions.


Tigers coverage

Under the partnership, MLB will produce and distribute Tigers games, handling broadcast production, distribution agreements, and a direct-to-consumer streaming product.

Play-by-play announcers Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson, along with analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry, are expected to return for the 2026 season.

The move follows strong viewership growth during the 2025 season, including a 121% increase in per-game streaming and a 101% rise in per-game household impressions. Only five U.S.-based teams recorded higher per-game viewership last season.


Red Wings coverage

The Red Wings will transition into the partnership after the 2025–26 season. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will assume production duties, with MLB assisting in production processes.

Red Wings games are expected to remain on FanDuel Sports Network through the end of the current season. Additional details for the 2026–27 season will be announced later