Detroit SportsNet Launches as New Home for Tigers and Red Wings

Detroit sports fans have a new regional sports network (RSN) to call home. Detroit SportsNet, powered by Major League Baseball, officially launched on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will broadcast Detroit Tigers games throughout the 2026 season. The network will likewise become the television home for the Detroit Red Wings beginning with the 2026-27 NHL season, according to announcements from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and CBS News.

A New Era for Local Broadcasts

The creation of Detroit SportsNet marks a shift in how Tigers and Red Wings games are broadcast to local audiences. The network will be available on cable, satellite, and through in-market streaming options, providing wider access for fans throughout Michigan. MLB is powering the network, and will handle broadcast production for the Tigers this season, along with over a dozen other teams.

Tigers Broadcast Details

Detroit Tigers games will air on Detroit SportsNet for the entirety of the 2026 season. The broadcast team will feature Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson on play-by-play, with Andy Dirks and Dan Petry providing analysis. The Tigers’ first regular-season game is scheduled for March 26 against the San Diego Padres, with their home opener on April 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals. CBS News reports that a list of service providers carrying Detroit SportsNet and their channel assignments will be released following negotiations.

Red Wings Transition

While the Red Wings will continue to be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Detroit through the conclude of the current 2025-26 season, they will transition to Detroit SportsNet for the 2026-27 season. The Red Wings broadcast team will remain consistent, featuring Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond. Details regarding streaming options for the 2026-27 Red Wings season will be announced at a later date. The Free Press notes that this change comes after the Tigers ended a partnership with Main Street Sports Group, which operates the FanDuel Sports Network stations, due to unpaid rights payments.

Background on the Change

The launch of Detroit SportsNet follows a trend of professional sports teams seeking alternative broadcast options. This move comes after several franchises, including the Tigers, terminated their deals with Main Street Sports Group. Yahoo Sports reports that teams were preparing for alternative options as Main Street Sports Group faced financial difficulties.