The future of how millions of fans watch their favorite NBA, NHL, and MLB teams is hanging in the balance. Imagine tuning in to find your team’s games suddenly unavailable—a real possibility for fans of 29 professional teams across these leagues. Here’s why: Main Street Sports Group (MSGS), the company behind FanDuel Sports Network, is facing financial turmoil and a potential takeover by global streaming giant DAZN. MSGS currently holds the local broadcast rights for teams like the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels, but DAZN’s plans to slash rights fees could force teams to walk away from their contracts, leaving fans in the lurch. But here’s where it gets controversial: DAZN believes its reduced payouts are still a better deal than alternatives like over-the-air broadcasts or MLB’s centralized media system. Is this a fair assessment, or are teams being backed into a corner?
The drama escalated in late 2025 when MSGS missed a critical payment to the St. Louis Cardinals, exposing its cash flow struggles. This came just months after the company emerged from bankruptcy, rebranded, and partnered with FanDuel. Despite these efforts, the traditional regional sports network (RSN) model is crumbling under the weight of cord-cutting and declining cable subscriptions. Teams affiliated with MSGS are now awaiting a formal proposal from DAZN, which could reshape their financial agreements and force them to decide: stay with DAZN or seek new ways to broadcast their games.
And this is the part most people miss: If more than 10 of the 29 teams opt out of DAZN’s deal, the entire acquisition could fall apart. That’s a significant risk, especially for leagues like the NBA, which has 13 teams tied to MSGS, including the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. The NHL isn’t far behind, with seven teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators in the mix. If the deal collapses, MSGS plans to shut down operations by the end of the 2025–26 season, leaving teams scrambling for alternatives.
For MLB teams, this could mean launching self-operated networks, like the Texas Rangers, or joining MLB’s centralized production system, already used by teams like the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies. But here’s the catch: industry insiders argue these alternatives are less appealing than the current setup, despite its instability. The Cardinals, for instance, are working closely with FanDuel Sports Network and MLB to ensure their games remain accessible in 2026, but it’s a delicate balance.
The bigger picture? The RSN sector is in crisis, with declining subscribers threatening traditional broadcasting deals. A successful DAZN takeover could stabilize these networks by injecting digital expertise and integrating FanDuel’s direct-to-consumer offerings into a larger streaming ecosystem. But as January ticks by, the clock is running out. The outcome will not only determine how fans watch local games but also reshape the economics of sports media rights across North America.
This high-stakes scenario highlights the seismic shift in sports broadcasting, driven by the rise of streaming and the fall of linear cable. Teams and leagues are racing to adapt, but the question remains: Can they strike a balance between financial viability and fan accessibility in this digital-first era?
What do you think? Is DAZN’s approach fair, or are teams being forced into a losing deal? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to add Cord Cutters News to your Google News feed HERE for more updates. Follow us on Facebook and X for the latest news, tips, and reviews. Need help with cord cutting? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group today!
