MLB Teams Distance Themselves from Troubled RSN Operator, Main Street Sports Group
January 10, 2026 – Major League Baseball is bracing for further disruption in regional sports broadcasting as nine MLB franchises have terminated their rights agreements with Main Street Sports Group (formerly Diamond Sports Group). This move signals a deepening crisis for the RSN, which recently emerged from bankruptcy but is once again facing financial instability, casting a shadow over the future of local MLB broadcasts.
The Unraveling of Main Street Sports Group
Main Street Sports Group, owner of the FanDuel Sports Network channels, holds the local media rights for a substantial 29 MLB teams, including high-profile franchises like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals. Though, the company’s financial woes are once again threatening its viability. Having just exited a two-year bankruptcy period at the beginning of 2025, Main Street is reportedly struggling to meet its financial obligations, including January rights payments to several teams according to the Sports Business Journal. These difficulties have prompted speculation that the company coudl face dissolution in the coming months.
Teams Take Protective Action
In response to Main Street’s precarious financial situation, nine MLB teams – the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St Louis cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays – have ended their broadcast agreements. ESPN reports that this action is a proactive measure to explore choice broadcasting options and protect their interests should Main Street file for bankruptcy.
Why This Matters for Fans
The unraveling of Main Street Sports Group has significant implications for baseball fans. Regional Sports Networks are a primary way many viewers access live games of their favorite teams. If Main Street collapses, millions of fans could lose access to these broadcasts, potentially forcing them to rely on more expensive streaming options or national broadcasts.
The DAZN Deal That Wasn’t
A potential lifeline for Main Street appeared in December with reports of acquisition talks with sports streaming service DAZN. Though, those hopes have been dashed. The Sports Business Journal revealed that DAZN balked at the deal, citing concerns over the financial demands of maintaining existing broadcast contracts. Crucially, DAZN reportedly wanted teams to accept substantial pay cuts in any reworked agreements – a condition that proved unacceptable to the MLB franchises.
MLB Prepared to Step In
Recognizing the potential for widespread disruption, MLB Commissioner rob Manfred has assured fans that the league is prepared to intervene and take over local broadcasts if necessary. “Our focus…is to maximise the revenue that’s available to the clubs, whether that’s MLB Media or third party,” Manfred told reporters. This suggests MLB is prepared to leverage its own broadcasting capabilities, MLB Media, to ensure that games remain accessible to fans.
What Does This Mean for the Future of RSNs?
The current situation highlights the growing challenges facing Regional Sports Networks, notably in the era of cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services. The customary RSN model, reliant on carriage fees from cable and satellite providers, is under immense pressure. The ongoing issues with Main Street Sports Group could accelerate a broader shift towards direct-to-consumer streaming models for local sports broadcasts.
Looking Ahead
While the future remains uncertain, the immediate priority is to secure alternative broadcast arrangements for the affected teams. Renegotiated deals with Main Street remain a possibility if the company can find a new investor willing to meet the financial demands of the MLB franchises. Though, the league is actively preparing to take control of broadcasts if necessary, ensuring that fans can continue to follow their teams. The coming months will be critical in determining the long-term direction of local MLB broadcasting and the fate of Main Street Sports Group.
