MLB Media Rights Uncertainty: Teams Depart Main Street Sports Group as Season Approaches
As the MLB season approaches, several teams are facing uncertainty regarding their media rights deals. Main Street Sports Group, on the brink of bankruptcy, has seen six teams opt to leave the RSN, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. The Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Angels are still deciding on their media rights as the 2026 season nears.
The departure of the majority of teams from Main Street Sports Group was expected, especially after DAZN's failed attempt to acquire the RSN group. There are speculations that Main Street Sports Group might file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy soon, leading to the company's liquidation. Despite this, the executives have stated their intention to continue producing NBA and NHL broadcasts for the ongoing regular seasons.
The Tigers, Braves, and Angels will need to make decisions on their media rights moving forward, with the likelihood of them also parting ways with Main Street Sports Group. With 13 MLB teams now under the league's media rights, there could be more teams joining in the future. The situation will continue to evolve as the season progresses, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.