Major League Baseball (MLB) is ready to produce and distribute local telecasts for teams affected by the financial troubles of FanDuel Sports Network’s regional channels, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday.
The networks, operated by Main Street Sports Group, missed a December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals, raising concerns about broadcasts for multiple teams this season. FanDuel Sports Network’s regional coverage includes games from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Angels), Miami, Milwaukee, Tampa Bay, and extends into the NBA and NHL.
“No matter what happens, whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB Media, fans are going to have the games,” Manfred said.
MLB has precedent for stepping in when regional networks fail. The league took over Padres broadcasts in May 2023 after Diamond Sports Group missed a payment, later adding Arizona that July. Colorado joined MLB’s distribution in 2024, followed by Cleveland and Minnesota in 2025. This season, Seattle will be added, and Washington could join after leaving the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Manfred emphasized that the league’s priority is ensuring clubs receive maximum revenue while maintaining broadcast quality for fans.
“Clubs are evaluating their alternatives. They’ve made significant payroll commitments and are looking for the best revenue source and the best outlet to provide quality broadcasts,” he said.
Diamond Sports Group, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year and rebranded as Main Street Sports Group, had renamed its networks FanDuel. The change has not alleviated ongoing financial challenges, leaving teams to consider turning to MLB Media or other third-party solutions.
Local broadcast revenue is critical for teams, representing more than 20% of overall industry income, Manfred noted. While MLB and the players’ association allowed discretionary distributions of up to $15 million in 2024 for clubs whose local media revenue declined, no similar agreement exists for 2025.
“We are not providing financial assistance right now,” Manfred said.
Several reports have indicated Main Street’s talks with DAZN for a potential acquisition are likely over, due to teams’ reluctance to meet key conditions. Reports say that Main Street Sports Group is seeking an alternative buyer at the moment.
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