A bold move is brewing in the world of sports broadcasting, and it's got everyone talking! Two iconic teams, the Angels and the Braves, are considering a radical shift in how they showcase their games to fans.
Sources reveal that these teams are in deep discussions about creating their own regional TV networks, potentially shaking up the sports media landscape. But here's where it gets controversial: they're not just doing it alone.
The Angels, owned by Arte Moreno, are eyeing a partnership with the NHL's Kings. Imagine tuning into a game and getting a double dose of sports excitement! However, there's a catch: Moreno would first need to buy out Main Street's stake in FanDuel Sports Network West to make this dream a reality.
Once that's sorted, the Angels plan to offer the Kings a spot on their network, with an undisclosed rights fee sweetening the deal. But the Kings won't be owners; they'll be guests in the Angels' house.
And this is the part most people miss: the Braves, owned by Liberty Media, are in talks with the NBA's Hawks to create a Southern sports broadcasting powerhouse. Unlike the Angels, the Braves would be the ones calling the shots.
While the Angels' venture is more straightforward, involving just the Kings, sources believe the Braves could pull off something even bigger. There's speculation that they might create a broadcast empire, bringing together about 12 Gray television stations across the Southeast. With their reach in Tennessee, they could even add the Nashville Predators to the mix!
But here's the kicker: the Braves are also considering deals with tech giants like Amazon or Apple to host their local broadcasts. It's an intriguing move that adds a modern twist to traditional sports broadcasting.
The viability and scale of these plans are still up in the air. However, sources say the Angels and Braves are aiming for their networks to launch in time for the 2026 MLB season, which is just around the corner.
For the Angels, it could mean televising Kings' games this very season, even though there won't be many games left by April. For the Hawks, they might have to wait until the 2026-27 season to make the switch.
Regardless of the timing, these models represent a growing trend of franchises teaming up as proprietary broadcast partners. It's a bold strategy that could redefine how we consume sports content.
But it's not just about the Angels and Braves. Other teams are taking a different approach, opting for league-produced and distributed games. MLB teams like the Cardinals, Brewers, Marlins, Reds, Royals, and Rays have already committed to this model, with the Tigers expected to follow suit.
However, for the Ilitch Family, who own both the Tigers and the Red Wings, it's a more complex situation. Sources say they're in talks with MLB to help operate and distribute Red Wings' games, which is causing a bit of a delay.
Meanwhile, NBA and NHL teams are keeping a close eye on Main Street, the company that previously broadcast their games. They're bracing for the worst-case scenario: an immediate liquidation, which would mean no more FanDuel Sports Network broadcasts during the season.
Sources say Main Street is working through a wind-down process, involving creditors and board meetings, which is why there's no clear answer yet. NBA and NHL teams are preparing for the worst, knowing that Main Street's fate ultimately lies with the creditors.
If Main Street does go dark, NBA games are likely to move to League Pass, and NHL contests to the league's Game Center app. It's a contingency plan that ensures fans can still catch their favorite teams in action.
But these teams aren't sitting idle. They're already planning for next season, assuming Main Street won't be around. They're exploring options with other outlets like ViewLift, Kiswe, and Victory+, ensuring they have a backup plan in place.
So, what do you think? Are these teams onto something with their bold broadcasting ventures? Or is it a risky move that could backfire? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
