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MLB Teams Flee Struggling TV Partner
3 Feb
Summary
- Nine MLB teams initially planned for 2026 broadcasts with Main Street.
- Main Street missed rights-fee payments, leading to deal terminations.
- MLB is preparing to sell direct-to-consumer subscription packages.
As spring training approaches, Major League Baseball is set to part ways with Main Street Sports Group, a regional sports network operator facing significant financial difficulties. Originally planning to broadcast nine MLB teams in 2026, Main Street's inability to secure a buyer has prompted at least six clubs to transfer their broadcast rights to MLB itself. These teams, including the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, aim for MLB's production and distribution capabilities to ensure fan access across various platforms.
Main Street, which also carries numerous NBA and NHL teams, began missing crucial rights-fee payments in December, leading to the termination of agreements with all nine MLB teams that had planned to partner with them. The broadcaster, previously known as Diamond Sports Group and Bally Sports, has struggled financially since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy a year ago. This situation creates pressure for teams to finalize their broadcast plans before the upcoming season, with MLB set to begin selling direct-to-consumer subscription packages later this month.
The financial landscape for regional sports networks has been challenging, with cord-cutting impacting revenue. For MLB teams, the shift to MLB's platform means revenue will be based on what the league ultimately earns, differing from the guaranteed rights fees offered by traditional networks. While some teams like the Atlanta Braves are exploring launching their own networks, others are still determining their broadcast future, underscoring the evolving media rights market for professional sports.
