Tigers' TV situation for 2026 is officially settled: Everything fans need to know

The regional sports network era in Detroit is officially over. In its place? A new, team-controlled model that could reshape how fans watch the Detroit Tigers for years to come.

Detroit SportsNet is the Tigers’ new year-round broadcast home, replacing FanDuel Sports Network Detroit after the collapse of Main Street Sports (formerly Diamond Sports Group). It will air nearly all locally televised Tigers games starting Opening Day 2026, as well as Red Wings games beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The Tigers were one of nine MLB teams that terminated deals with Main Street Sports after missed payments. Six teams handed broadcasts directly to MLB. The Tigers instead launched their own branded network — powered by MLB infrastructure and available to stream through the MLB app.

This is similar to the MLB-controlled model several other teams pivoted to after RSN instability — but with one twist: the Ilitch family bundled both the MLB and NHL teams together.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening and what it means for Tigers fans in 2026.

Everything Tigers fans need to know about Detroit's new TV broadcast home in 2026

How much does it cost?

For in-market fans, a Detroit SportsNet subscription will cost $19.99 per month or $189.99 annually (only if you're in-market for both teams). The annual plan effectively saves you over 20% compared to paying monthly.

There’s also an introductory offer that incentivizes fans to subscribe before March 23 and pay $0 until April 1. That includes the Tigers' 2026 Opening Day matchup in San Diego against the Padres.

Can you still watch on cable?

Yes — but details are pending. Detroit SportsNet will be available on cable and satellite providers throughout Michigan, though specific channel numbers and provider agreements haven’t been announced yet.

So if you prefer traditional TV, you won’t be forced into streaming — but expect more clarity closer to Opening Day.

What about blackouts?

If you live in the Tigers’ home television territory, you can stream games blackout-free through the MLB app. National exclusivity games (ESPN, Fox, etc.) still apply.

If you live outside the territory, you can still watch Tigers games on MLB.TV.

The financial angle (yes, it matters)

This move isn’t just cosmetic. Travis Sawchik of MLB.com has reported that teams moving to MLB-run broadcasts are averaging roughly 50% less revenue than their previous RSN deals.

A few years ago, the Tigers were reportedly making around $60 million annually from their RSN contract. Now, revenue may dip, subscription numbers will matter, and the total revenue will be shared between the Tigers and Red Wings.

And yet, this winter the Tigers were forced to pay Tarik Skubal $32 million after he won his arbitration hearing. They signed Framber Valdez to a $115 million deal. They're also projected to set franchise payroll and CBT records. In other words, ownership is spending aggressively despite broadcast uncertainty.

Will the broadcast talent change?

No. The voices stay the same. Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson remain on Tigers play-by-play, with analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry returning as well.

The production should feel familiar — just on a different channel and platform.

The big picture

Detroit SportsNet represents a broader shift in sports media. The old RSN model — guaranteed money from cable bundles — is fading. The new model is direct-to-consumer, streaming-friendly and subscription-dependent. The revenue will potentially be lower, but access will be wider.

For fans, this likely means easier streaming access, no in-market blackouts and slightly more pricing transparency. For the Tigers, it means betting that fans will follow them directly — not through a middleman network.

In a winter where Detroit committed nine figures to pitching and doubled down on contention, they’re now also betting on themselves in the media space. That's a winning mentality.