Atlanta Braves Face TV Money Woes as Financial Instability Strikes Main Street Sports Group

The Atlanta Braves may soon face a significant financial hit, as they stand to earn far less TV revenue than originally anticipated. The team currently has a partnership with Main Street Sports Group’s FanDuel Sports Network, which airs all of the Braves’ regular-season games. This partnership places the Braves among nine Major League Baseball teams that have struck deals with FanDuel Sports. However, this agreement is now under pressure due to the financial struggles of Main Street Sports, leaving the Braves and their fellow MLB partners in a difficult situation.

Main Street Sports, which collaborates with several NBA and NHL teams in addition to MLB clubs, is reportedly in severe financial distress. According to The Athletic, the company’s precarious situation became evident after it missed a payment to the St. Louis Cardinals, another MLB team involved in the FanDuel Sports deal. The missed payments didn’t stop there—on January 5, it was revealed that Main Street Sports had also failed to meet scheduled payments to several NBA teams.

A Growing Financial Crisis

Main Street Sports has faced significant financial setbacks, reportedly losing around $200 million in 2025, despite the fact that FanDuel Sports saw a 17% increase in MLB viewership ratings, as reported by Sports Business Journal in August. The company’s failure to make payments to multiple teams in both the NBA and MLB signals a growing financial crisis that could have major consequences for its partnerships with sports teams.

This financial instability puts teams like the Braves in a difficult position. With the company struggling to stay afloat, the Braves now face the possibility of receiving far less TV money than they were counting on for the 2026 season. For a team that is trying to build a competitive roster for next year, this unexpected financial uncertainty could complicate their plans.

The Braves’ 2026 Roster Plans at Risk

Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has been active in making several relatively low-profile moves this offseason, securing key players like closer Robert Suarez, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. These signings have been seen as solid additions to an already competitive team. However, the Braves have also been linked to multiple high-profile free agents and trades as they aim to strengthen their roster heading into the 2026 season.

The uncertainty surrounding their TV revenue could now undermine these plans. Without the expected income from their broadcasting deal, the Braves may have to adjust their budget for free agency and trades. As one unnamed MLB general manager told The Athletic, “You don’t know what your income is. It does make a difference.” This sentiment was echoed by another team executive, who explained that teams will have to adjust their plans if they are suddenly faced with a change in projected revenue. “In the event we thought we’d make X and now we’re making Y, you can always make decisions independent of that, but I’m sure that’s going to be a reality for all of these teams,” the GM said.

Potential Outcomes for Main Street Sports

As the situation continues to develop, there are several potential outcomes for the Braves and their TV deal with Main Street Sports. According to The Athletic, Main Street Sports has claimed that they remain in “dialogue with teams” regarding their financial position and missed payments. However, this assurance may not offer much comfort to the Braves, who are already facing uncertainty about their 2026 budget.

One possible outcome is that Main Street Sports could sell the company to another broadcaster, such as DAZN. Talks between the two sides have reportedly been ongoing for some time, and a sale could potentially provide the stability the Braves and other teams are seeking. Alternatively, the Braves may choose to opt out of their current deal altogether and quickly find another TV partner. Could the team return to broadcasting their games on TBS, as they have in the past? The Braves are likely weighing all of their options as they search for the best solution.

What This Means for the Braves and Their Fans

For the Braves, the priority will be finding stability and securing a deal that ensures consistent financial backing for the foreseeable future. The team has big plans for the 2026 season and beyond, but without the financial security that a solid TV deal provides, these plans could be in jeopardy. While it remains to be seen what the ultimate outcome will be, the Braves will likely continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to navigate this unexpected financial setback.

The fallout from this situation could ripple through the broader MLB landscape, as other teams involved in the FanDuel Sports deal are also impacted by Main Street Sports’ financial troubles. If the Braves are forced to adjust their offseason plans, it could affect their ability to compete with other teams in the NL East and across the league. The uncertainty surrounding the deal is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in the sports world, with financial stability playing a crucial role in shaping a team’s future.

Conclusion: The Braves’ Financial Gamble

As the Braves look to build their 2026 roster, the financial uncertainty surrounding their partnership with Main Street Sports could make their path to success more complicated. The team is hoping for a resolution that provides both stability and a beneficial financial package, but with the future of their TV deal in flux, they may need to make difficult decisions sooner rather than later. The Braves, like other teams involved in the deal, will be hoping for a quick resolution that allows them to focus on improving their roster for the upcoming season. However, as long as Main Street Sports continues to struggle, the Braves may be left in limbo, forced to rethink their plans for the future.