The Atlanta Braves could be set to earn far less TV money than originally expected. The team is currently in a regional sports network (RSN) partnership with Main Street Sports Group’s FanDuel Sports Network. In the deal, FanDuel Sports broadcasts all of the club’s regular-season games. The Braves are one of nine Major League Baseball teams to partner with the media company.
Although an agreement is in place, Main Street Sports is attempting to alter the terms of the contract with these teams. Along with the MLB clubs, FanDuel Sports also collaborates with several other NBA and NHL teams. According to The Athletic, Main Street Sports is suffering financially and doing everything it can to stay afloat.
The company’s precarious situation was evident after it recently missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. Like the Braves, the fellow National League team is one of the MLB clubs to partner with FanDuel Sports. It was then revealed on January 5 that Main Street Sports also missed scheduled payments to several NBA teams.
The aforementioned outlet reports that the company lost around $200 million in 2025. This is even though Sports Business Journal reported in August that FanDuel Sports saw a 17% increase in ratings among its MLB viewership.
Atlanta Braves Trying to Compile Their Roster for the 2026 Season
GettyBraves GM Alex Anthopoulos has made several relatively minor moves this offseason.
The Braves, like the other clubs involved in the partnership, now have a fairly massive headache to deal with. While the NBA and NHL teams are in the same boat, their seasons are in full swing. Atlanta, however, is currently in the midst of important offseason planning. Braves execs are attempting to spend money to build their 2026 roster.
Nevertheless, these plans could now be affected. Potentially not receiving previously agreed-upon TV money would throw a monkey wrench into the team’s free agency ideas. “You don’t know what your income is,” one unnamed MLB general manager explained to The Athletic regarding the situation. “It does make a difference.”
Another team exec echoed these sentiments. “In the event we thought we’d make X and now we’re making Y, you can always make decisions independent of that, but I’m sure that’s going to be a reality for all of these teams: they’re going to have to think of that (change),” claimed the GM.
The Braves have, so far, made a few decent deals in the current offseason. Agreements with closer Robert Suarez, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski have been the most prominent. Atlanta has, however, also been linked with multiple high-profile free agents and trades this winter.
Braves May Ultimately Opt Out of Current TV Deal
According to The Athletic, Main Street Sports has claimed that they remain “in dialogue with teams” regarding payments and their overall financial position. Despite this, the Braves probably will not take much comfort in the assertion.
It appears as if there are multiple possible end scenarios for the situation. Main Street Sports could end up selling the company to another broadcaster, such as DAZN. The two sides have been engaged in talks for quite a while now. The Braves could also opt to leave the deal altogether and somehow quickly find another TV partner (back to TBS?). Ultimately, Atlanta will be looking for stability, as well as a beneficial financial package.
Braves Offseason Plans Affected by Precarious TV Deal