Six Teams Depart Main Street Sports, Join MLB Ranks
In a significant shift within the MLB landscape, six teams have decided to part ways with Main Street Sports and align with Major League Baseball (MLB). This transition will affect teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays. As confirmed reports state, these franchises will have their games produced directly by MLB starting from the 2026 season.
Teams Transitioning to MLB Partnership
The following teams have officially announced their partnerships with MLB:
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Miami Marlins
- Kansas City Royals
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Cincinnati Reds
- Tampa Bay Rays
The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and Detroit Tigers are still reviewing their plans, with reports suggesting they may also join MLB’s initiative.
Main Street Sports Financial Woes
These changes come on the heels of financial struggles for Main Street Sports, which has lost its lucrative local media contracts. All nine baseball teams operated under Main Street Sports terminated their contracts on January 8, 2026, as the network sought a buyer amidst ongoing financial issues that included a recent exit from bankruptcy.
Main Street Sports, which broadcasts under the FanDuel Sports brand, began 2026 with a mixed portfolio across various leagues. It holds broadcasting rights for both NBA and NHL, continuing to air those games even as MLB franchises exit.
MLB’s Strategy Moving Forward
MLB aims to acquire local broadcast rights for all 30 teams by 2028. This strategy involves consolidating local media contracts to create a national package that minimizes blackout restrictions. Having already set up a local-media department, MLB will handle broadcasting, negotiate distribution agreements, and manage advertising revenues. However, the shift away from traditional cable contracts threatens to significantly impact team revenues.
Financial Implications for Teams
The departure from Main Street Sports could result in a substantial loss of revenue for the teams involved. Previously, local media deals contributed 20% to 30% of a team’s income. To mitigate the financial fallout, MLB and the MLB Players Association had agreed in 2024 to allocate some luxury tax funds for teams facing local media challenges.
As MLB navigates this transition, the financial ramifications could strain team budgets and deepen payroll disparities within the league.
The Future of Main Street Sports
Once known as Diamond Sports Group, Main Street Sports entered bankruptcy in March 2023. After notable struggles, including a missed payment to the Cardinals and failed negotiations with streaming platforms like DAZN, the company was forced to relinquish its MLB partnerships. Its stake primarily focuses on NBA and NHL teams, with no immediate solutions in place for its financial issues.
In summary, the six teams moving away from Main Street Sports represent a significant shift in MLB broadcasting strategy. As these franchises align themselves with MLB for the future, the implications of these decisions will be felt across the league, marking a critical moment in sports media history.
