Ilitch Launches Detroit SportsNet for Red Wings, Tigers: Cost Explained

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment just announced Detroit SportsNet (DSN), a new year-round channel that’ll become the broadcast home for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. This marks a bold shift—ownership-controlled media and direct-to-consumer streaming are taking center stage.

DSN plans to air Tigers games starting in 2026, with Red Wings games joining for the 2026–27 NHL season. MLB Media will power the network, and they’re working on deals with cable and satellite providers while also rolling out a streaming option for fans.

DSN launches: a new era for Detroit’s regional sports landscape

Both teams recently left FanDuel Sports Network and its parent, Main Street Sports Group. This move signals a real pivot toward a self-contained media setup.

By bringing local coverage under Ilitch’s umbrella, DSN wants to streamline rights, production, and distribution. They’re also opening a direct line to fans through a standalone streaming product, which is honestly overdue.

What will DSN carry and when

DSN is set up as a year-round channel for both franchises’ telecasts. The timelines are pretty clear, tied to each sport’s season.

The Tigers will start on DSN in 2026. The Red Wings will follow for the 2026–27 NHL season.

MLB Media will power DSN to meet MLB and NHL production standards. Hockey telecasts will be produced by the same owners now handling the Tigers’ broadcasts, which should keep things pretty consistent.

• Teams and timing: Detroit Tigers on DSN from 2026; Detroit Red Wings on DSN from 2026–27.
• On-air team continuity: The Tigers will feature Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson, with analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry. The Red Wings will continue with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond.
• Access model: DSN will offer a direct-to-consumer streaming option at $19.99 per month or $189.99 per year. Cable/satellite carriage is being negotiated.
• Distribution strategy: The network is actively negotiating carriage deals with traditional providers; more details will be announced later.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment says multiple broadcast voices will stick around, so fans can expect continuity. Even as DSN evolves, the goal is to keep the experience familiar for longtime followers.

Why DSN matters beyond the schedule

DSN’s launch isn’t just about a list of games. It’s a rethink of how regional sports rights get valued and monetized.

By centralizing two major franchises and giving fans a direct-to-consumer option, Ilitch aims to diversify revenue, control distribution, and maybe even future-proof the fan experience as streaming keeps growing.

Impact on fans, markets, and the broader rights landscape

• Direct-to-consumer focus could shake up the old cable-first model for local sports. Fans might get more choice and flexibility, which is honestly overdue.
• Keeping familiar on-air voices around helps fans stay connected. It should also keep season-ticket holders engaged, even while everything else shifts.
• DSN’s approach might signal a bigger trend. Ownership groups could start grabbing more control over how their games get produced and distributed in regional sports.

As DSN moves closer to 2026, we’ll probably hear more about carriage deals and when you can actually watch. The channel wants to become the go-to spot for Detroit’s two main teams, and honestly, it’s a bit of a test case for teams running their own media in this changing rights landscape.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ilitch launches Detroit SportsNet for Red Wings & Tigers broadcasts; here’s how much it will cost