Get ready, Detroit! Your favorite teams are about to get a major broadcast upgrade! The Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings are teaming up with Major League Baseball in a groundbreaking partnership that's set to revolutionize how you watch the games. This isn't just about broadcasting; it's about ensuring you, the fans, can catch every thrilling moment, whether you're in Michigan or beyond, on your terms. Think of it as a guaranteed ticket to all the action, no matter where you are within the teams' home television territories.
For years, you've known how to tune in to the Tigers and Red Wings, and the good news is, that familiarity isn't going away anytime soon. You'll still have access through the same reliable cable and satellite providers, and information about direct-to-consumer streaming options will be shared soon. This ensures a smooth transition, so you won't miss a single pitch or puck drop.
But here's where it gets interesting: In a sports broadcasting landscape that's seen its share of ups and downs, this collaboration offers a much-needed sense of stability. Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, highlighted the importance of this consistency, stating, "we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey." He also emphasized that the teams are actively listening to fan feedback, which includes making games widely available, offering a dependable streaming experience, and delivering broadcasts that are both informative and entertaining. This new path with MLB is designed to hit all those marks, promising a superior fan experience throughout the local market.
And this is the part most people miss: Beyond games that are designated for national broadcasts, you can expect all Tigers and Red Wings games to be readily available within your local market. This means whether you prefer the traditional route of a cable or satellite package, or you're all about the convenience of a streaming subscription, your games will be there for you.
For the Detroit Tigers: Major League Baseball is stepping in to handle the heavy lifting of game production and distribution. This includes leading the broadcast production, securing crucial distribution agreements, and managing a direct-to-consumer streaming service. This collaboration is particularly exciting given the Tigers' already stellar on-air talent, featuring Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson on play-by-play, and Andy Dirks and Dan Petry as analysts. This incredible team is expected to return for the 2026 MLB season, bringing their expertise and passion to your screens. This partnership follows a year of remarkable viewership growth for the Tigers in 2025, with impressive increases in per-game streamers and household impressions, placing them among the top U.S.-based teams in viewership.
Now, let's talk about the Detroit Red Wings: Following the 2025-26 NHL season, the Red Wings will also join this exciting MLB partnership. While Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will manage broadcast production, MLB will provide support throughout the production processes. For now, Red Wings coverage on FanDuel Sports Network will continue through the end of the current season. More details about the 2026-27 NHL season will be announced as they become available.
The Red Wings' broadcast team is legendary! Consistently voted the top NHL broadcast for two consecutive seasons (according to The Athletic's fan survey), the iconic duo of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are set to continue leading the telecasts. Future production plans will be finalized after the current season concludes.
Now, I want to hear from you! Does this new partnership excite you, or do you have concerns about how it might impact your viewing habits? Are you thrilled about the prospect of more consistent access to Tigers and Red Wings games, or do you worry about potential changes to your current subscriptions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
