The Tampa Bay Rays have officially ended their deal with Main Street Sports, the operator of the FanDuel Sports Network regional channels. The decision follows weeks of financial turmoil, missed payments, and the collapse of Main Street’s proposed sale to DAZN.
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The Rays were the final MLB team still aligned with Main Street. Every other club tied to the network had already opted out or prepared to leave. The Rays made their move after receiving confirmation that the DAZN deal was dead.
According to Sports Business Journal reporting summarized by MLB Trade Rumors, the DAZN negotiations “are all but extinguished.” That left the Rays with no viable long‑term broadcast partner under the Main Street umbrella.
Why the Rays Chose to Exit Now
The Rays monitored the situation closely as Main Street’s financial position deteriorated. AP and ESPN reported that nine MLB teams entered 2026 under Main Street contracts. Eight teams terminated their deals earlier this week.
The Rays waited for clarity on the DAZN sale before making their decision. Once the deal collapsed, the Rays determined that staying with Main Street was no longer sustainable.
The club also reviewed the terms DAZN proposed to teams. SBJ reported that DAZN sought a 20 percent rights‑fee reduction, deferred payments into late 2026, and a 50‑50 profit share for next season. Teams rejected those terms, causing the deal to fall apart.
With no buyer in place, the Rays chose to exit.
Manfred: “Fans Will Not Lose Games”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the situation in comments reported by AP and ESPN. “We will not allow fans to lose games,” Manfred said. He emphasized that MLB is prepared to “step in immediately” to protect local broadcasts.
Manfred also said MLB has “contingency plans for every affected market,” including Tampa Bay. He stressed that MLB’s priority is “stability and access for fans.”
Rays Likely Headed to MLB.TV and a Local Broadcast Partner
With Main Street collapsing, the Rays are expected to land on MLB.TV and a local over‑the‑air broadcast partner. ESPN reported that MLB has already begun discussions with local stations in multiple markets.
WUSF/AP noted that MLB used a similar model when the Padres and Diamondbacks lost their RSN partners in 2023. The league produced the broadcasts and distributed them through MLB.TV and local affiliates.
The Rays expect a similar arrangement for 2026.
Could the Rays Return to Main Street? Unlikely
Main Street has told teams that Fubo entered late‑stage talks to buy the company. However, ESPN reported that industry sources “do not believe Fubo is a credible bidder.”
AP described the situation as “chaotic and deteriorating by the hour.” The Rays view a return to Main Street as highly unlikely.
Rays Move Forward With MLB Support
The Rays now join the other eight MLB teams that have left Main Street. MLB will guide the club through the transition and ensure fans continue to receive every game.
As Manfred told AP: “Fans will see their games. That is our commitment.”
