
The Cincinnati Reds have settled on a broadcast partner for the 2025 season as the media landscape shifts. The team will remain with FanDuel Sports Network, a rebranded version of the former Bally Sports, an agreement solidified after previous negotiations stalled, as reported by The Enquirer. This deal materializes following the team’s brief alignment with MLB Network from last year, when the network's parent company, Diamond Sports Group, declared bankruptcy.
FanDuel Sports Network, stepping out from the shadow of its predecessor Main Street Sports, will now broadcast all in-market games that avoid exclusive national television deals such as ESPN and TBS. Concurrently, the Reds have retracted from an initial plan that saw Major League Baseball set to produce and distribute games for the upcoming season directly. "Our top priority is to make sure Reds games are accessible to our fans," Doug Healy, Red's Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, stated in an announcement that FOX19 corroborated. Fans must authenticate with their pay TV credentials or purchase a direct-to-consumer subscription to access the games, an additional revenue stream reintroduced under the FanDuel umbrella.
Though financial details have not been made public, the Reds' deal with FanDuel Sports Network reportedly includes a slight uptick in revenue. This modest increase offers potential, albeit unconfirmed, flexibility to the team's roster budgeting constraints. Last year, the fiscal ceiling was capped at approximately $100 million, and any monetary infusion could shape decisions on bolstering player personnel. "The decision to stay with FanDuel Sports Network provides continuity for our fans to watch Reds games as in previous seasons, and now with a direct-to-consumer streaming product available through the FanDuel Sports Network app," Healy proclaimed in a statement obtained by The Enquirer.
Amid the fluctuating regional sports network model, the Reds are not alone, as multiple MLB teams navigate similar transitions to accommodate evolving viewer habits. This deal underscores the importance of maintaining continuity for fans while embracing new game consumption technologies. FanDuel Sports Network is poised to lead this charge, with executives like David DeVoe expressing a commitment to quality coverage for local supporters. "We’re committed to delivering high-quality coverage for local fans and believe this agreement reflects our ability to adapt to the evolving media environment," DeVoe mentioned in a WCPO interview. This partnership also includes producing 30-minute pre- and postgame shows, further enriching the fan experience.
The success of these newly minted agreements rests in their execution over the coming baseball season. As fans gear up for what promises to be an engaging year, they can do so with the assurance that watching their favorite team will involve familiar routines and added conveniences that modern sports viewership demands.