MLB Teams Cut Ties with FanDuel Sports Network as Financial Uncertainty Mounts

All nine teams that have previously had an agreement with the FanDuel Sports Network have withdrawn from the arrangement, The Athletic originally reported. 

The teams have sounded a tactical retreat over financial concerns that continue to plague the parent company, Main Street Sports, which already went belly up in March 2023, but has since recovered and renewed its operations of the network. 

MLB Franchise Take a Step Back from FanDuel Sports Network 

The latest development involves MLB franchises Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays, all of which have, at least temporarily, decided to withdraw from the company.

Besides fearing the overall financial stability of the company, the MLB franchises have cited unpaid fees as another reason for ending their relationship with the company for the time being. At least several teams have not received their rights-fee payments, prompting them to seek exile from the FanDuel Sports Network.

In the meantime, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has confirmed that the teams have indeed withdrawal from the FanDuel Sports Network and that they have switched to the MLB Media instead. 

Reportedly Missing Fees Prompt Action from Disgruntled Franchises

This is not to say that the teams have withdrawn from the network completely and may not consider a return. According to The Athletic, the franchises are more concerned about the FanDuel Sports Network missing payments, which harkens back to March 2023, when the group filed for Chapter 11. 

The company is also reportedly looking to negotiate deals with Fubo and DAZN in the hopes of strengthening its finances and overall operations. It’s important to note that FanDuel Sports Network is a licensed name operated by Main Street Sports, but not related to Flutter Entertainment’s sportsbook brand.