The Detroit sports broadcasting landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and fans of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings are at the heart of the action. On March 2, 2026, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment made waves by announcing the launch of Detroit SportsNet (DSN), a brand-new regional sports network and streaming service designed to bring Tigers and Red Wings games directly to fans throughout Michigan. The move, which comes amid a period of uncertainty and transition in the regional sports network (RSN) industry, signals a bold new era for Detroit’s most beloved franchises.
Detroit SportsNet is set to become the exclusive home for all locally televised Tigers games starting with the 2026 Major League Baseball season and for Red Wings games beginning with the 2026-27 National Hockey League campaign. This dual-sport network promises year-round coverage, accessible through both traditional cable and satellite television as well as in-market streaming subscriptions. The annual subscription price is pegged at $189.99, while fans can opt for a monthly plan at $19.99. For those eager to get a head start, there’s even a special introductory offer: fans who sign up by March 22, 2026, can enjoy Tigers games at no cost until April 1, including Opening Day on March 26.
The shift to Detroit SportsNet comes after the Tigers and Red Wings, along with several other franchises, terminated their previous broadcasting arrangement with Main Street Sports Group. The split was prompted when Main Street Sports Group, which operated the regional Sports Network stations, failed to make scheduled rights payments. In the wake of this disruption, both teams sought a more reliable, fan-focused solution—enter Detroit SportsNet.
Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, captured the spirit of the transition in a statement: "Given recent uncertainty throughout the regional sports broadcasting industry, we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey. We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we've heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that's informative and entertaining in all the right ways. This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market."
So, what exactly does Detroit SportsNet offer? For starters, fans can access Tigers games through the MLB app, available on web, mobile, and TV platforms—complete with highlights, stats, and news. Red Wings games will also be available for streaming, though details about the specific app and platform will be announced later this summer. In addition to streaming, DSN is working to secure a dedicated television channel within cable and satellite packages across Michigan. While discussions with distributors are still ongoing, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has promised to release a comprehensive list of providers and channel assignments as soon as agreements are finalized.
It’s important to note that Detroit SportsNet is not just a rebranding of the old FanDuel Detroit Sports Network. In fact, FanDuel will cease to carry Tigers and Red Wings games after the conclusion of the 2025-26 seasons. Fans who previously subscribed to FanDuel Sports Network will need to sign up separately for Detroit SportsNet, as the two services are entirely distinct. As a result, FanDuel subscribers are encouraged to contact FanDuel directly to cancel their existing subscriptions and avoid any overlap.
For the 2025-26 season, coverage for Red Wings games will remain on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and Sports Detroit, with no immediate changes required from fans. However, once the Red Wings' regular season concludes on April 15, 2026, Detroit SportsNet becomes the sole local provider for both teams. There’s a brief two-week overlap in the spring of 2026 where fans will need separate subscriptions for both teams, as the Red Wings season ends and the Tigers season begins. After that, DSN becomes the unified home for in-market streaming and televised games.
Out-of-market fans will still need to rely on national packages like NHL Center Ice or ESPN+ Power Play for Red Wings games, as DSN’s streaming rights are limited to the home television territory. The team has assured that more details about how to use a DSN subscription for Red Wings streaming will be shared in the coming months, so fans should stay tuned for updates as the 2026-27 NHL season approaches.
One area where Detroit SportsNet is not expanding—at least for now—is NBA coverage. The Detroit Pistons are not affiliated with DSN, and their games will not be available through the new service. This means that, for basketball fans in the Motor City, a separate solution will still be required.
Broadcasting continuity remains a top priority for DSN. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the familiar voices of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond will continue to call Red Wings games, while Tigers broadcasts will still feature Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson, supported by analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry. Sideline and rinkside coverage from Daniella Bruce and Logan Reever will also remain a staple, ensuring that the viewing experience retains its signature Detroit flavor.
As for the technical nuts and bolts, subscriptions to Detroit SportsNet will automatically renew each year on April 1, providing uninterrupted access to both teams’ games. The network is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for fans, with dedicated support and detailed instructions available on both the Tigers and Red Wings official websites.
With regional sports networks across the country facing financial headwinds and uncertainty, Detroit’s proactive approach stands out. By launching Detroit SportsNet, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is betting big on direct-to-consumer streaming and a more flexible, fan-first model. It’s a move that not only secures the future of Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts but also sets a new standard for how teams can connect with their local communities in the digital age.
As the dust settles and the 2026 seasons draw closer, all eyes will be on Detroit SportsNet to deliver on its promise of reliable, year-round access to two of Michigan’s most storied franchises. For fans, the message is clear: the future of Detroit sports viewing is here, and it’s streaming straight to your screen.