Ilitch Sports Launches Detroit SportsNet for Tigers and Red Wings Broadcasts

New channel to be exclusive home for Detroit's major league baseball and hockey teams

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Ilitch Sports, the parent company of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, has announced the launch of a new regional sports network called Detroit SportsNet. The channel will be the exclusive broadcast home for both the Tigers' 2026 MLB season and the Red Wings' 2026-27 NHL season, replacing previous broadcast partnerships.

Why it matters

The launch of Detroit SportsNet represents a major shift in how Detroit sports fans will be able to access live coverage of their beloved Tigers and Red Wings. By bringing the broadcasts in-house, Ilitch Sports aims to have more control over the production and distribution of the games, potentially offering new features and viewing options for fans.

The details

Detroit SportsNet will be available through cable and satellite TV providers across Michigan, as well as for in-market streaming via the MLB app. The Tigers broadcast team will feature Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson on play-by-play, with Andy Dirks and Dan Petry as analysts. The Red Wings will have Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond in the booth. Details on Red Wings streaming options will be announced later.

  • The Tigers will play their first regular-season game on March 26, 2026 against the San Diego Padres.
  • The Tigers will host their home opener on April 3, 2026 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • The Red Wings' transition to Detroit SportsNet will happen after the 2025-26 season.

The players

Ilitch Sports

The parent company that owns the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings franchises.

Detroit Tigers

The Major League Baseball team that will have its games broadcast exclusively on the new Detroit SportsNet channel starting in the 2026 season.

Detroit Red Wings

The National Hockey League team that will have its games broadcast exclusively on the new Detroit SportsNet channel starting in the 2026-27 season.

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What’s next

Details on how to stream the 2026-27 Red Wings games will be announced later.

The takeaway

By bringing the broadcasts of the Tigers and Red Wings in-house, Ilitch Sports aims to have more control over the production and distribution of the games, potentially offering new features and viewing options for fans in the Detroit market.