MLB Steps In: Reds Fans Finally Get Clarity on 2026 Broadcast Plans
For years, Reds fans have been stuck in the middle of a broadcast tug-of-war - blackouts, shifting networks, and more confusion than clarity. But as pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training, Cincinnati finally has a definitive answer: Major League Baseball is officially taking the reins on Reds broadcasts for the 2026 season.
This move has been a long time coming. MLB nearly stepped in last year to handle production and distribution of Reds games, with plans for a dedicated Reds.TV platform to beam games throughout Reds Country.
But that plan got shelved at the eleventh hour when FanDuel Sports Network swooped in with a last-minute deal to become the team’s provider - both on linear TV and digital platforms. That partnership didn’t last long, and this time, all signs point to MLB’s involvement being permanent.
A New Chapter in Reds Broadcasting
The Reds announced Monday that MLB will handle all local broadcasts for the 2026 season. Fans in the team’s home television territory will be able to watch games through traditional cable and satellite providers, or stream them digitally on Reds.TV - and here’s the key part - without blackout restrictions. That’s a major win for fans who’ve spent years trying to navigate the maze of regional sports network limitations.
Subscription pricing hasn’t opened yet, but the team has already outlined the cost: $99.99 for the full season or $19.99 per month. That’s a straightforward setup that gives fans flexibility, and more importantly, reliable access to their team.
The End of the FanDuel Era
The short-lived partnership with FanDuel Sports Network came undone as quickly as it came together. FanDuel’s parent company, Main Street Sports Group, has reportedly fallen behind on payments to several MLB franchises and has been actively trying to offload its struggling product. So far, there haven’t been any takers.
That financial instability all but sealed the deal for MLB to step in - not just for the Reds, but potentially for several other teams caught in the same situation. While a few broadcast agreements are still being finalized, it’s expected that all nine clubs previously tied to Main Street will have their games produced by MLB this season. If the early results from teams like the Guardians and Diamondbacks - who’ve already made the switch - are any indication, the Reds could be in for a smoother, more fan-friendly experience.
Familiar Voices, Fresh Start
One thing that won’t change? The voices Reds fans have come to know and trust.
Jim Day, John Sadak, Barry Larkin, Jeff Brantley, and Chris Welsh are all expected to return to the booth in 2026. That continuity should help ease the transition and keep the broadcast experience grounded in the personalities that make Reds baseball feel like home.
More information is expected in the coming weeks, including the full spring training broadcast schedule. But for now, Reds fans can finally exhale. After years of uncertainty, the broadcast picture is finally coming into focus - and it’s one that puts the fans first.