For years, following the Detroit Tigers hasn’t been as simple as it should be. Between blackout restrictions, dwindling cable access, and a patchwork of streaming options, fans have had to jump through hoops just to catch a game. Add that to a long rebuild on the field, and it’s been a frustrating stretch for the faithful in the Motor City.
But there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel - and this time, it’s not just about the roster. The Tigers are making a major shift in how their games are broadcast, and it could be a game-changer for how fans watch baseball in Detroit.
The team is officially parting ways with FanDuel Sports Network, a move that’s part of a broader exodus from its parent company, Main Street Sports Group. They’re expected to be one of eight MLB clubs transitioning their local broadcasts to MLB Media - a centralized platform that’s already become home to teams like the Cardinals and Brewers.
This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes media shuffle. For Tigers fans, it’s a real, tangible change.
The biggest headline? Local games are expected to stream directly through the MLB app - no cable subscription required.
That’s a huge win for fans who’ve been locked out by outdated regional sports network (RSN) models and confusing blackout rules. It’s the kind of access fans have been asking for, and now it’s finally arriving.
That said, traditional TV isn’t going away entirely. The Tigers are expected to strike direct deals with local cable and satellite providers, so fans who still prefer watching on linear television can keep doing so. It’s a hybrid approach - modern streaming access for those who want it, and cable broadcasts for those who still rely on them.
There’s still a slim chance the Tigers explore an independent streaming route - platforms like Victory+ have been floated as possibilities. According to reports, teams like the Tigers, Rays, and Angels have at least looked into those options. But with Opening Day right around the corner, MLB Media offers something those other platforms can’t: immediate infrastructure, stability, and a ready-made audience.
And right now, stability is the name of the game.
All nine MLB teams currently airing games on FanDuel Sports Network are leaving Main Street Sports Group, and eight of them - including the Tigers - are expected to land with MLB Media. It’s a coordinated move that signals a larger shift in how the league wants to handle local broadcasts moving forward.
But there’s more to this than just baseball. The Illitch family, who own both the Tigers and the Red Wings, are reportedly planning to bring the Red Wings into MLB Media’s production ecosystem as well.
That means while Tigers games stream through the MLB app, Red Wings games would continue on linear TV with MLB Media’s production support, and stream digitally through the NHL’s Game Center app. It’s a full-scale reset for Detroit sports broadcasting - not a patchwork fix.
For Tigers fans, the bottom line is refreshingly simple: watching games is about to get easier. Fewer blackouts.
More straightforward access. A future built around streaming - without leaving traditional TV viewers behind.
It may not have the flash of a big-name free agent signing or a blockbuster trade, but for a fanbase that’s spent years dealing with more TV headaches than highlights, this might be the most fan-friendly move the Tigers have made in a long time.