Columbus Blue Jackets Explore TV Broadcast Contingencies Amid FanDuel Network Uncertainty

Nine MLB teams hold key to FanDuel's parent company's future, which could impact Blue Jackets' game coverage

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are assessing contingency plans for their television broadcasts as the future of FanDuel Sports Network, which currently airs their games, remains uncertain. FanDuel's parent company, Main Street Sports Group, previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is now facing possible liquidation under Chapter 7 if a group of nine MLB teams decide to leave the network before the upcoming season. This could force DAZN, a potential buyer, to back out and lead to the company's collapse, leaving the 13 NBA teams and 7 NHL teams whose games are broadcast by FanDuel out in the cold.

Why it matters

The potential collapse of FanDuel Sports Network would leave the Blue Jackets and several other professional sports teams without a television home for their games, disrupting fan access and creating uncertainty around the team's future broadcast plans. This highlights the vulnerability of regional sports networks and the need for teams to have contingency plans in place.

The details

According to the report, the nine MLB teams whose decisions will likely determine FanDuel's fate are the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays. If all nine teams decide to leave Main Street Sports Group before the upcoming season, DAZN may back out of a potential acquisition, forcing the company to liquidate. This would impact the 13 NBA teams and 7 NHL teams, including the Blue Jackets, whose games are currently broadcast by FanDuel.

  • The Blue Jackets' game on January 30, 2026 against the Chicago Blackhawks was one of the games simulcast on CW Columbus and Sinclair/Gray Media stations throughout Ohio and bordering areas.
  • The start of the MLB season is only two months away, so the clock is ticking for Main Street Sports Group's nine MLB teams to make a decision about their future with the network.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

The NHL team whose television broadcasts are currently aired on FanDuel Sports Network, but whose future coverage is now uncertain.

FanDuel Sports Network

The regional sports network that currently airs Columbus Blue Jackets games, but whose future is in doubt due to the financial troubles of its parent company, Main Street Sports Group.

Main Street Sports Group

The parent company of FanDuel Sports Network, previously known as Diamond Sports Group/Bally Sports, which is facing possible liquidation under Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

DAZN

A potential buyer of Main Street Sports Group, which may back out of the acquisition if the nine MLB teams decide to leave the network before the upcoming season.

Todd Sharrock

The vice president of communications for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who stated the team's priority is ensuring fans can continue to watch their games.

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What they’re saying

“We are continuing to work with FanDuel Sports Network to provide fans with the best Blue Jackets game coverage. Our priority always has been making sure our fans have the ability to watch our games, and we will be prepared to ensure that continues in the future.”

— Todd Sharrock, Vice President of Communications, Columbus Blue Jackets (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Main Street Sports Group to proceed with the potential sale to DAZN or if the company will be forced to liquidate under Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding FanDuel Sports Network's future highlights the vulnerability of regional sports networks and the need for professional sports teams to have contingency plans in place to ensure their fans can continue to access game coverage, even when the primary broadcast partner faces financial difficulties.