The Atlanta Braves have officially unveiled their answer to one of the most pressing questions surrounding the 2026 baseball season: how supporters will access live game coverage. In a bold move that signals a new direction for sports media, the franchise announced the creation of BravesVision, a proprietary television network completely owned and managed by the organization itself.
This development represents a dramatic pivot from traditional broadcasting arrangements. Starting this season, BravesVision will serve as the club's exclusive local television partner, fundamentally altering the production and distribution model for Braves baseball. The initiative follows the team's decisive termination of its prior agreement with Main Street Sports Group, the entity behind the FanDuel Sports Network regional channels, which had fallen behind on scheduled rights fee payments. This breach of contract left the broadcast situation in limbo, prompting the organization to take matters into its own hands.
Derek Schiller, President and CEO of the Braves, emphasized the strategic importance of this transition in an official statement. "This endeavor will bring the most vital link to our fanbase — our television broadcast — back under the control of our organization," Schiller remarked. "With BravesVision, we believe that we can present Braves baseball in new and innovative ways." His comments underscore a growing trend across professional sports: the desire for teams to maintain direct relationships with their audiences rather than relying on third-party intermediaries.
The operational scope of BravesVision is substantial. The network will manage every aspect of the broadcast experience, from production and advertising sales to marketing and distribution. Fans can expect comprehensive coverage of more than 140 regular-season contests, supplemented by enhanced pregame and postgame programming that promises deeper analysis and behind-the-scenes content. The service area extends across the team's expansive six-state broadcast territory, ensuring broad geographic reach.
Perhaps most importantly for viewers, the Braves have outlined a multi-platform distribution strategy designed to maximize accessibility. The organization is pursuing direct partnerships with cable, satellite, and streaming providers, with specific channel placements and availability to be disclosed as individual agreements are finalized. This approach gives the team greater leverage in negotiating carriage deals while potentially offering more flexibility to consumers.
For cord-cutters and digital-native fans, BravesVision will stream exclusively on the MLB-operated platform Braves.TV. This direct-to-consumer option allows subscribers to watch every regular-season game not subject to national exclusivity, with the crucial advantage of no local blackout restrictions. This addresses one of the most persistent frustrations for baseball enthusiasts who have historically been unable to stream local team games through league services. Additionally, traditional out-of-market packages remain available for those living outside the Braves' designated region.
Recognizing the importance of free, over-the-air access, the franchise continues its collaboration with Gray Media for a second consecutive season. This partnership will simulcast select games at no cost across local broadcast stations throughout Atlanta and the broader Southeast region. These complimentary telecasts will be identified prior to Opening Day, giving fans ample notice to tune in.
The alliance with Gray Media extends to spring training as well, with 15 exhibition games slated to air across 26 markets in the Southeast. These preseason matchups will also stream live at no charge on Braves.TV, requiring only a free account for access. This dual approach—combining traditional broadcast with modern streaming—demonstrates the organization's commitment to serving diverse audience preferences.
It's worth noting that nationally exclusive games will continue to appear on MLB's established broadcast partners, including FOX/FS1, ESPN, TBS, NBC/Peacock, and Apple TV. This ensures that marquee matchups and postseason play remain accessible through familiar channels.
Industry analysts view the Braves' maneuver as a potential inflection point for regional sports broadcasting. The franchise ranked among Main Street Sports Group's most lucrative partnerships, making their departure particularly significant. This shift reflects a larger movement within Major League Baseball, where clubs are increasingly exploring direct-to-consumer streaming services and team-controlled networks as alternatives to conventional regional sports network models.
The financial troubles of Main Street Sports Group, formerly known as Sinclair Broadcasting's Diamond Sports, have created uncertainty across the league. Several teams have found themselves seeking new broadcast homes as the RSN landscape contracts. The Braves' proactive stance—building their own infrastructure rather than shopping for a new rights deal—positions them as pioneers in this evolving ecosystem.
By internalizing broadcast operations, the Braves gain several competitive advantages. Creative control allows for expanded storytelling opportunities, from long-form player profiles to immersive ballpark experiences that third-party producers might not prioritize. The team can also integrate sponsorships and marketing initiatives more seamlessly, creating a cohesive brand experience from the first pitch to the final out. Furthermore, direct fan data collection through streaming platforms enables more personalized content and targeted engagement strategies.
The move also carries risks. Operating a regional sports network demands significant capital investment, technical expertise, and operational complexity. The Braves must now manage relationships with multiple distributors, handle advertising sales, and ensure broadcast quality meets professional standards. However, the potential rewards—both financial and in terms of fan loyalty—appear to justify the gamble.
For the loyal Braves fanbase, BravesVision promises a more intimate and comprehensive viewing experience. The emphasis on enhanced pregame and postgame content suggests a desire to build community and deepen connections beyond the nine innings of play. The elimination of streaming blackouts for local subscribers represents a tangible improvement that modernizes the fan experience.
As Opening Day approaches, details regarding specific channel assignments and streaming subscription pricing will likely emerge. The success of this venture will be closely watched by other MLB franchises and professional sports leagues contemplating similar moves. If BravesVision proves viable, it could accelerate the decentralization of sports media and empower more teams to become content owners rather than mere content licensors.
In an era where media consumption habits are rapidly evolving, the Atlanta Braves have chosen to bet on themselves. By placing the broadcast future firmly in their own hands, the organization is not just solving a short-term distribution problem—they're potentially reshaping how regional sports content reaches its most passionate audiences for years to come.