Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is entering the regional sports network space with a move designed to consolidate local Detroit television rights for two cornerstone franchises under one banner, announcing the launch of Detroit SportsNet.
A year-round platform that will carry locally televised games for the Detroit Tigers beginning this season and the Detroit Red Wings starting in 2026-27.
The new venture positions Detroit SportsNet as both a traditional linear channel and a direct-to-consumer streaming service. Fans can still watch games through cable and satellite providers. They may also subscribe to an in-market streaming package. That option eliminates the need for a full television bundle.
“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,” Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said in a statement.
Ilitch Sports & Entertainment announced last month the Tigers and Red Wings would officially be leaving FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, and both teams’ games will be distributed by Major League Baseball.
Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson will continue on play-by-play for the Detroit Tigers. They will work alongside analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry. Industry observers widely regard the group as one of the more polished and insightful broadcast teams in Major League Baseball.
Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings telecasts will remain on FanDuel Sports Network through the end of the 2025-26 season. The move to Detroit SportsNet will follow. The franchise enters that transition with strong audience performance. At the Olympic break, it ranked near the top among U.S.-based NHL teams in household rating and total viewership.
Subscribers can purchase monthly access for $19.99 or opt for an annual plan priced at $189.99. A discount that equates to more than 20% savings over 12 months. Early adopters who enroll through March 22 will receive a promotional window that includes complimentary access to Tigers games through April 1, covering Opening Day in San Diego as part of the introductory offer.
Fans who choose the annual plan at launch can stack the built-in discount with the limited-time trial. That approach locks in access to the entire 2026 Detroit Tigers season. It also covers a significant portion of the 2026-27 Detroit Red Wings schedule. Renewal is scheduled for April 1, 2027. The structure clearly encourages longer-term commitments from the outset.
For baseball viewers, the streaming home shifts to the MLB App. Which is available across web browsers, mobile devices and connected television platforms. Integrating live games with highlights, statistical tools and league-wide news, while additional information about how hockey subscribers will access Red Wings telecasts through the same year-round package is expected later this summer.
As is typical with the rollout of a new channel, distribution agreements with cable and satellite providers remain under negotiation. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment indicates it will release carriage details and channel positions once contracts are completed.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
