Commissioner says MLB is ready to broadcast Royals’ games after KC cancels TV deal
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- MLB says it could broadcast Royals games after KC cancels FanDuel deal.
- Main Street Sports faces insolvency after missed payments, risking broadcasts.
- Clubs may shift rights to MLB Media to secure revenue and maintain coverage.
As the parent company of FanDuel Sports Kansas City continues to struggle with its financial solvency, the Royals this week terminated their television deal.
The Main Street Sports Group, which operates Fan Duel Sports Kansas City, reportedly will cease operations at the start of the baseball season if it can’t complete a financial deal with DAZN by the end of this month.
The move doesn’t mean Royals games absolutely won’t air on FanDuel Sports Kansas City this season. The Royals could agree to a new deal with Main Street Sports that would keep the games on FanDuel Sports KC.
“We remain in active dialogue with all of our team partners regarding potential revised terms for agreements going forward,” Main Street Sports Group said in a statement provided to The Star.
Another option would have Major League Baseball take over the Royals’ broadcasts.
There is no chance of Royals games not being televised in 2026, a point MLB commissioner Rob Manfred made Thursday.
“No matter what happens, whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB media, fans are going to have the games,” Manfred told the Associated Press.
The Main Street Sports Group previously missed a payment to the Cardinals and the Miami Herald reported Thursday the Marlins also didn’t get a “partial rights fee” on Jan. 1. Additionally, Main Street has failed to make payments to a number of NBA teams.
The Royals are one of nine MLB teams that have ended deals with Main Street Sports this week.
MLB is already set to broadcast games for six teams this season, using team broadcasters. Should MLB end up taking over Royals games, Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler would be on the call as usual. Fans likely wouldn’t notice a difference the broadcasts, whether watching on cable or streaming.
“Our focus, particularly given the point in the calendar, is to maximize the revenue that’s available to the clubs, whether that’s MLB Media or third party,” Manfred told the AP. “The clubs have control over the timing. They can make a decision to move to MLB Media because of the contractual status now.
“I think that what’s happening right now — clubs are evaluating their alternatives. Obviously they’ve made significant payroll commitments already, and they’re evaluating the alternatives to find the best revenue source for the year and the best outlet in terms of providing quality broadcasts to their fans.”
Should MLB take over broadcasting Royals games, the league would pay the team whatever money comes from streaming subscriptions and TV distribution fees, the Athletic said.
