Executive summary: All nine Major League Baseball teams under contract with Main Street Sports Group have officially departed from the regional sports network operator, moving their media rights to MLB’s in-house production arm or launching independent networks. This move comes as Main Street faces imminent bankruptcy, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
The decision was first reported by Puck’s John Ourand on Monday, February 2, 2026, with Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend later confirming that all nine teams would leave the FanDuel Sports Network operator. The teams involved include the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, and Atlanta Braves. This mass departure was triggered by Main Street’s financial instability and the collapse of a potential sale to DAZN.
Eight of the nine teams are expected to take their media rights in-house with MLB Media, which already handles production for several other clubs. The Atlanta Braves are anticipated to follow the Texas Rangers’ model by creating their own regional sports network, while the Detroit Tigers’ ownership group is likely to move both the MLB team and the NHL Red Wings under MLB’s umbrella. The St. Louis Cardinals were the first to announce their shift, with others following throughout the day.
Main Street Sports Group’s struggles have been mounting, with a failed attempt by DAZN to purchase the RSN group and reports suggesting the company could file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as early as next week. In a statement published by Sports Business Journal, Main Street expressed appreciation for its MLB partners but confirmed the departures, highlighting the financial instability plaguing the traditional RSN model. The company has indicated it will continue broadcasting NBA and NHL games for the remainder of their seasons.
MLB’s consolidation of media rights continues, with the league now poised to control the local broadcasts for up to 15 teams—half of the league—this season. This includes the Main Street departures along with previously announced additions like the Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals, reflecting a strategic shift as the RSN ecosystem falters. The league has been increasingly focused on bringing rights in-house to adapt to changing viewer habits.
For the 2026 season, games produced by MLB will be streamed exclusively through the MLB app, with ESPN set to take over digital in-market distribution starting in 2027. This transition aims to provide more direct access for fans but raises questions about viewership and revenue models in the post-RSN era. Fans of the affected teams will need to adjust to new streaming platforms, with details being rolled out on team-specific webpages.
The timing of the opt-outs, just days before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, adds urgency to the situation. Main Street has indicated it will continue broadcasting NBA and NHL games for the remainder of their seasons, but its long-term viability remains in doubt, with sources skeptical about its ability to meet financial obligations. The company is in ongoing discussions with the NBA and NHL about future plans.
This mass exodus underscores the broader crisis in regional sports networks, driven by cord-cutting and shifting consumer habits. MLB’s proactive approach in bringing rights in-house may set a precedent for other leagues, potentially reshaping how sports content is distributed and monetized in the years to come. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, leagues and teams are seeking more control over their broadcasts to navigate uncertain financial waters.
