Recent reports have revealed that FanDuel Sports Network, one of the last remaining significant regional sports networks, is facing a critical threat of bankruptcy. Formerly known as Bally Sports Network, FanDuel’s parent company, Diamond Sports Group—now operating as Main Street Sports Network—declared bankruptcy nearly a year ago and went through a restructuring process. Despite the new sponsorship from FanDuel and multiple broadcast agreements with MLB, NHL, and NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, uncertainty looms over its future.
The financial stability of FanDuel Sports Network, like that of other regional sports networks (RSNs), has been severely impacted by the surge in streaming services. Historically, RSNs were included in basic cable packages, compelling most subscribers to support these channels regardless of their sports viewership. However, as streaming options such as YouTube TV gain traction, consumers have shifted towards pay-as-you-watch models, making RSNs less viable financially. This transition has led to a significant decline in the number of viewers supporting these channels, particularly among casual fans who are less inclined to pay extra for sports content.
Concerns about the network’s potential bankruptcy intensified this month when it missed a critical payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. To salvage the situation, FanDuel Sports Network is reportedly attempting a last-minute sale to DAZN, a British multimedia company primarily known for its streaming services. Should this acquisition take place, Brewers fans would need to subscribe to DAZN to watch local games, as FanDuel retains the rights for broadcasts in Milwaukee.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding whether DAZN will proceed with the acquisition. If the deal fails, reports suggest that FanDuel Sports Network could “wind down and dissolve,” resulting in complex scenarios for broadcasting rights, especially for the Milwaukee Brewers.
In theory, the rights to broadcast Brewers games would revert to the team if FanDuel Sports Network dissolves. Yet, practical challenges abound. Currently, FanDuel holds the rights to NBA games that are underway, and while the network has committed to completing the NBA season, teams are reportedly preparing for a potentially dire mid-season closure. This development could force each team to hastily secure local broadcasting agreements, creating further complications.
On the other hand, the implications for MLB teams, including the Brewers, wouldn’t be as dire. If dissolution occurs, ESPN may take on additional MLB teams beyond its current lineup, possibly making ESPN the new home for Brewers games come the 2026 season. Alternatively, there’s a chance that the league office might acquire the Brewers’ broadcast rights. With MLB announcing that its MLB.TV service will only be purchasable through ESPN starting in 2026, teams may have to navigate a hybrid solution.
However, this shift raises concerns about the financial compensation Milwaukee might receive for streaming rights. With MLB/ESPN’s model being subscription-based, it may not attract viewers who do not follow baseball, ultimately lowering the potential revenue for the Brewers compared to what traditional RSNs could offer.
An additional path forward could involve modifying the league’s revenue-sharing agreement to better support smaller-market teams like the Brewers, although this might meet resistance from larger market franchises. Compounding the issue, the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) does not expire until December 2026, which could present further hurdles for teams looking to solidify their financial foundations in a challenging landscape. The potential downfall of FanDuel Sports Network could worsen existing issues of parity within Major League Baseball, underscoring the intricate dynamics at play in the evolving sports media environment.