The Milwaukee Brewers are heading into the 2026 season with a new broadcast home-and it’s one that fans across the region will want to keep an eye on. After parting ways with Main Street Sports Group, the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network, the Brewers have struck a deal with Major League Baseball to produce and distribute their games this year. That means MLB itself will be handling the broadcasts, ensuring fans won’t miss a pitch in 2026.
Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger confirmed the move in a press conference, emphasizing that all 162 regular-season games will be available to watch-along with a slate of spring training matchups. The full broadcast schedule is still in the works, but the key takeaway is simple: Brewers baseball will be accessible in more ways than before.
More Ways to Watch, Fewer Headaches
Let’s start with the big picture. For years, fans in certain parts of the Brewers’ territory-especially in blackout zones like Iowa-have had a tough time finding a reliable way to watch games.
Cable disputes, limited streaming options, and confusing blackout rules left many fans in the dark. This new MLB-produced setup is designed to simplify all that.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- In-Market Streaming: If you live in the Brewers’ broadcast zone-which includes all of Wisconsin and Iowa, plus parts of Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula-you’ll be able to purchase a standalone streaming package directly from the team. Pricing hasn’t been finalized yet, but expect something in the ballpark of $19.99 per month or $99.99 for the year, similar to what the Cardinals recently rolled out.
- Out-of-Market Streaming: For fans outside the blackout zone, MLB.TV remains the go-to option. Nothing changes here-Brewers games will still be available, with the usual local blackout restrictions applying.
- Cable and Satellite: Select providers will continue to carry Brewers games, and some matchups will also be available over-the-air on local stations. Specific channel lineups are still being finalized, but the important part is that traditional TV access isn’t going away.
This new model gives fans more flexibility. Whether you’re cutting the cord or sticking with cable, you’ll have a way to tune in. And for those who’ve been caught in the frustrating no-man’s-land of blackout zones without local TV coverage, this is a major step forward.
Familiar Voices in the Booth
While the distribution method is changing, the faces and voices behind the broadcast will stay the same. Brian Anderson, Bill Schroeder, Sophia Minnaert, Tim Dillard, Vinny Rottino, and Jeff Levering are all returning for the 2026 season. That continuity should be a welcome sign for fans who’ve come to appreciate the crew’s chemistry and insight over the years.
A League-Wide Shift in Motion
The Brewers aren’t alone in this transition. They’re one of several teams-along with the Cardinals, Marlins, Rays, Reds, and Royals-now under MLB’s direct broadcast umbrella. That brings the total to at least 13 of the league’s 30 clubs, with more possibly on the way.
Three teams-the Angels, Braves, and Tigers-are still weighing their options after the collapse of Main Street Sports. The Angels and Tigers are expected to follow the MLB route, while the Braves are reportedly considering launching their own platform, similar to what the Rangers did last season. Depending on how those decisions shake out, MLB could end up producing games for more than half the league by the time the season gets underway.
The Trade-Off: Access vs. Revenue
There’s one catch to all this-and it’s a big one. The Brewers aren’t going to make as much money under this new arrangement as they did with their previous RSN deal.
While Main Street Sports Group’s financial stability had been in question for a while, their contract was more lucrative than MLB’s offer. According to reports, teams typically earn about half as much under the MLB model compared to traditional regional sports network deals.
That financial shortfall is part of the reason Milwaukee has been quiet this offseason in terms of spending. And it’s not just a short-term issue.
MLB is reportedly aiming to hold onto these deals through 2028, when many of the league’s media rights agreements are set to expire. At that point, the league could use these centralized rights as leverage in broader negotiations.
Main Street Sports Nearing the End
As for Main Street Sports Group, the writing appears to be on the wall. Multiple reports suggest the company could be liquidated soon, after failing to strike last-minute deals with MLB teams.
They’re still expected to finish out the NBA and NHL seasons, but there are signs of trouble there too-they reportedly missed payments to teams in both leagues. For now, those games will go on, but the long-term outlook is grim.
Bottom Line for Brewers Fans
The big win here is access. Brewers games will be available across more platforms, with fewer headaches and blackout issues. Whether you’re in Milwaukee, Des Moines, or somewhere in between, you’ll have a way to watch your team take the field this season.
Yes, the revenue side of the equation is a concern-and it could impact how aggressively the Brewers operate in the free-agent market or at the trade deadline. But in terms of keeping the games on air and in front of fans, this new deal is a clear upgrade over the uncertainty of recent years.
The media landscape in baseball is shifting fast, and the Brewers are one of many teams adapting on the fly. For now, though, one thing’s certain: come Opening Day, Brewers baseball will be back-and easier to find than it’s been in a long time.