Detroit Tigers, Red Wings Reveal New MLB Broadcast Deal

Partnership with MLB to transform local TV coverage and streaming options for Detroit fans starting in 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has entered into a significant broadcast agreement with Major League Baseball that will transform how local television coverage is produced and delivered for Detroit's Tigers and Red Wings. The deal, effective starting with the 2026 season, aims to provide greater consistency and stability amid the challenges facing regional sports networks, directly involving MLB in team-specific broadcast operations for the first time.

Why it matters

This partnership positions Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Major League Baseball at the forefront of an evolving local media environment, securing the long-term stability of Detroit's sports broadcasts while adapting to changing viewer habits, including the growing preference for streaming options.

The details

Under this new arrangement, the Detroit Tigers' game production and distribution will be fully managed by Major League Baseball beginning in 2026. The Detroit Red Wings will join the same broadcasting system for the 2026-27 NHL season, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment handling production, complemented by MLB's backend support. This structure is unique, marking a comprehensive collaboration between a sports league and a team ownership group to streamline regional broadcasts.

  • The new broadcast partnership will begin with the 2026 MLB season.
  • The Detroit Red Wings will join the new broadcasting system for the 2026-27 NHL season.

The players

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

The parent company of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings that has entered into a broadcast agreement with Major League Baseball.

Major League Baseball

The professional baseball league that is partnering with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to manage the local television coverage and streaming options for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.

Ryan Gustafson

The President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, who highlighted the rationale for this broadcast partnership.

Jason Benetti

The play-by-play commentator for the Detroit Tigers' broadcasts, who is expected to remain in his role under the new arrangement.

Dan Dickerson

The play-by-play commentator for the Detroit Tigers' broadcasts, who is expected to remain in his role under the new arrangement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we've heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that's informative and entertaining in all the right ways.”

— Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (theconwaybulletin.com)

“This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market.”

— Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The exact distribution details for the new broadcast partnership are still being finalized, but the companies involved have stressed that fans will have continuous access to Tigers and Red Wings games similar to current viewing options.

The takeaway

This partnership represents an effort to secure the long-term stability of Detroit's sports broadcasts while adapting to changing viewer habits, including the growing preference for streaming options. Fans can expect a consistent, high-quality experience that reflects their feedback about accessibility and broadcast excellence.