Detroit broadcasting rights have undergone a major change heading into the 2026-27 sports seasons. The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers have partnered with Major League Baseball (MLB) to change how local games are produced, distributed, and streamed.
Announced on February 9, 2026, the agreement between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and MLB introduced a new local broadcast home: Detroit SportsNet. This partnership marks a significant shift away from FanDuel Sports Network and gives us Detroit fans a new way to watch two of our favorite professional sports teams.
Here’s what Red Wings fans need to know about the new Detroit broadcasting rights agreement, including where to watch games, streaming costs, and what the partnership means for the future of local sports.
What Changed With Detroit Broadcasting Rights?
Under the new agreement, MLB handles production and distribution operations for Tigers broadcasts, while assisting with the distribution of Red Wings games. But Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues producing Red Wings broadcasts.
The arrangement is unique because the Red Wings are the first non-MLB team to be included in MLB’s local media operation. This is only possible because Ilitch Sports + Entertainment owns both franchises.
Now, despite these changes, our familiar broadcast personalities remain the same. Red Wings fans can still hear Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond, while Tigers fans continue watching Jason Benetti, Dan Dickerson, and their broadcast analysts.
The transition also replaces the traditional regional sports network model, which has faced financial challenges as more households move away from cable television.
Where to Watch the Detroit Red Wings in 2026-27
Detroit SportsNet is now the local television home for Red Wings and Tigers games. The network replaced FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, which officially shut down on September 30, 2026.
Fans can access Detroit SportsNet through several television providers:
| Provider | Channel |
| Comcast / Xfinity | 1253 |
| DirecTV | 663 |
| Spectrum | 213, 291, 307, 436 (varies on location) |
| AT&T U-verse | 1739 |
| Fubo | Streaming |
Channel availability may vary by location and television package. Fans can use the official Tigers TV channel finder to confirm availability.
Streaming Without Cable
Fans without traditional cable can subscribe directly to Detroit SportsNet through its streaming service.
- Monthly: $19.99
- Annually: $189.99
One subscription provides access to eligible in-market Red Wings and Tigers broadcasts. Hockey viewers may need to set up a separate account through the MLB app.
However, fans should not assume Detroit SportsNet is included with services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling. Check current provider listings before subscribing.
Nationally televised Red Wings games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT are also subject to separate broadcast agreements and may not be available through the local subscription.
How Detroit Broadcasting Rights Are Changing Sports Business
The changes to Detroit broadcasting rights represent more than a new television channel. They reflect a larger shift in how professional sports teams distribute games and generate revenue.
Traditional regional sports networks relied heavily on cable subscriptions and broadcasting-rights agreements. As cable viewership declined, these networks faced increasing financial pressure.
The new arrangement gives Ilitch Sports + Entertainment a different approach to distributing its games, reaching streaming audiences, and developing relationships with local viewers and advertisers.
There are financial considerations, however. Reports on MLB’s local media arrangements suggest teams may receive less guaranteed broadcasting revenue than they did under traditional regional sports network contracts.
Ultimately, the success of Detroit SportsNet will depend on its ability to attract subscribers, maintain viewership, and generate advertising revenue.
Want to learn more about how Detroit’s other professional sports teams handle their television and streaming deals? Check out our article, Detroit Broadcasting Rights: Where to Watch Detroit Sports, for a closer look at how the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and Lions reach their fans.
The Bottom Line
The new Detroit broadcasting rights agreement represents a major change for Red Wings fans and the Detroit sports market. By partnering with the MLB, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has introduced a new way to distribute local games through Detroit SportsNet.
For fans, the biggest changes are where to watch, how to stream, and what to expect from their television subscriptions. In the sports industry, Detroit’s partnership offers an example of how professional teams are adapting to the changing television landscape.
For updated channel listings and broadcast information, visit the official Detroit Tigers TV broadcast guide or the Detroit Red Wings website.