The Royals notified MLB that they will transfer their media rights to the league, rather than continue their relationship with Main Street Sports, the company that owns FanDuel Sports Kansas City, according to reporting from sports business reporter John Ourand at Puck. Previous reports indicated Main Street Sports could file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate as soon as this week if they cannot find a buyer.
On Saturday at Royals Rally, Royals president of business operations Cullen Maxey indicated the team preferred to stay with FanDuel, if possible, but that reverting rights to MLB would be an option.
“There’s some instability of the FanDuel Sports Network, so they’re seeking out a merger partner to help them create a little bit more financial stability,” Maxey said. “Our plan with them is to stick with our partners as long as they can convince us that there will not be a risk of interruption during our season of bringing games to our fans. That’s the most important thing.”…
“We would like to stick with them, but we do need to feel very stable that there will be no interruptions during the season, and that decision will come soon. If we do pivot from FanDuel Sports Network, we’ll be going to Major League Baseball.
MLB already owned the TV rights to the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals.
What does this mean for viewers? Well, Royals games will still air on TV, it will just be under a different banner. The teams that MLB developed broadcast for last year offered a very similar product than FanDuel Sports Network provided, with a similar $19.99 direct-to-consumer streaming option and availability on many cable and satellite providers. Instead of the FanDuel brand, the channel will likely be “Royals.TV”. And unlike FanDuel, MLB-provided games are generally offered with no blackout restrictions, except when games are simulcast by national broadcast providers. If you are a subscriber to MLB.tv, you will also be able to access your local team, although there may be an upcharge. The Royals announced over the weekend that several games will also air on free, over-the-air TV, including the Opening Day game against the Braves, to air on KCTV 5 in Kansas City.
ESPN purchased MLB TV rights last fall, including in-market rights for some teams, but will not air local games until 2027.
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