Brewers’ 2026 Broadcast Shift: MLB Steps In as RSN Turmoil Forces Change
For much of the offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers found themselves in limbo when it came to how fans would watch their games in 2026. The uncertainty stemmed from the financial unraveling of Main Street Sports Group-the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSNW), the Brewers’ regional sports network partner.
And they weren’t alone. Several other MLB clubs tied to Main Street were also left wondering whether their games would be televised at all.
Initially, the Brewers had renewed their broadcast deal with Main Street and FDSNW for the 2026 season. But as reports of missed payments to other MLB teams surfaced, Milwaukee made the call to walk away. It was a risk-reward situation-Main Street reportedly tried to salvage the relationship with a three-year offer, but given the company’s shaky financials, the Brewers opted for a more stable path.
Now, we know what that path looks like: Major League Baseball itself will take over the production and distribution of Brewers games for the 2026 season.
This isn’t just a Brewers story. According to reports, six of the nine MLB teams previously partnered with Main Street are shifting their media rights to the league.
Alongside Milwaukee, the Marlins, Rays, Royals, Cardinals, and Reds are all making the move. They’ll join the Padres and Twins, who made the same switch last season after dealing with similar RSN issues.
The Braves, Tigers, and Angels remain undecided.
Why MLB Taking Over Matters
This move is part of MLB’s broader strategy to consolidate TV rights and address the growing financial gap between large- and small-market teams. For fans in markets like Milwaukee, where local TV revenue doesn’t always match the big-market giants, this could be a welcome development. More consistent access, better streaming options, and hopefully fewer blackouts are all on the table.
Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger expressed optimism in a team press release, pointing to MLB’s broadcast infrastructure as a major upgrade.
“The consistency and quality of that experience in many ways will be enhanced,” Schlesinger said. “In addition to wide linear broadcast distribution on cable and satellite throughout the Brewers home television territory, MLB has built one of the most successful and reliable streaming ecosystems in all sports.”
Translation? Brewers fans will still be able to tune in-whether they’re flipping channels on cable or firing up a stream on their phone.
So, How Can Fans Watch in 2026?
The Brewers laid it out clearly: If you're in the team’s home TV market, you’ll be able to watch games either through your usual cable or satellite provider, or by streaming live via MLB.TV. Details on exact channel numbers and participating cable providers are coming soon.
For those who prefer to stream, a standalone Brewers subscription will be available through MLB.com or the MLB App. Pricing hasn’t officially dropped yet, but based on what the Twins did last year, fans can expect something in the neighborhood of $19.99 per month or a discounted $100 for the full season.
And if you're already an MLB.TV subscriber? Last season, Twins fans could choose between a single-team package or a full-league option. That model is likely to carry over to the Brewers.
What About Cable Users?
Looking at what happened in Minnesota offers a glimpse into how this might play out. The Twins’ games were added to a new channel-Twins.TV-on most major cable platforms.
The channel was only active during games and pre/postgame shows, but it was seamlessly integrated into existing packages. In many cases, there was no extra cost.
While specifics for the Brewers haven’t been confirmed, a similar setup seems likely. That means fans sticking with traditional cable probably won’t have to jump through too many hoops to keep watching.
Financial Fallout: Impact on Payroll?
While the broadcast future is now settled, there’s a financial wrinkle worth noting. MLB’s broadcast model doesn’t guarantee teams the same kind of revenue they might have received through a traditional RSN deal-especially if that RSN had actually paid on time.
Instead, the league shares a portion of the revenue generated from the games it produces. That means the Brewers’ TV income in 2026 is likely to be lower than in previous years. And that matters when it comes to payroll.
No, this doesn’t mean Milwaukee is about to go into cost-cutting mode. But it does make a surprise big-name signing less likely as the offseason winds down. The Brewers reportedly had some financial wiggle room earlier in the winter-enough to consider taking on an extra $8 million in payroll during Freddy Peralta trade talks-but this new broadcast reality could tighten the purse strings.
Still, the team did receive a postseason bonus for reaching the NLCS last year, and other revenue streams remain in play. So while a splashy move isn’t off the table, fans hoping for a last-minute blockbuster may want to temper expectations.
The Bottom Line
The Brewers’ decision to shift their 2026 broadcasts to MLB is about stability and access. With Main Street Sports Group’s financial troubles casting a shadow over the RSN landscape, Milwaukee chose the safer route-one that ensures fans will still be able to watch their team come Opening Day.
And while the financial implications may limit some roster flexibility, the move underscores a broader trend in baseball. As the league looks to modernize how games are delivered to fans, small-market teams like the Brewers are at the center of that evolution.
For now, Brewers fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the games will be on, the streams will be live, and the countdown to spring training continues.