Will DIRECTV Carry the Detroit Tigers In 2026?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!

TV Answer Man, please help! The Tigers’ new channel costs $200 which is ridiculous!! Do you know if DIRECTV streaming will have the Tigers channel so I don’t have to pay $200!!!!??? – Paul, Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Paul, I feel your frustration. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment this month announced that it’s creating Detroit SportsNet which will be the new home of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. The channel/streaming service will broadcast the Tigers games this season and will begin producing the Red Wings games with the 2026/27 season.

That sounds great for Detroit area fans, but here’s the rub. The cost of Detroit SportsNet is $189.99 annually or $19.99 a month. Most MLB teams are charging just $99 to stream their games for the season but the Tigers’ plan is more expensive because it includes the Red Wings.

This dilemma has prompted many fans to scramble for an alternative. However, due to largely financial reasons outlined in my article here, DIRECTV (and other TV providers) has yet to add Detroit SportsNet.

But will it before Opening Day (March 26)?

Answer: DIRECTV says that is highly, highly likely. In fact, in a post this week on its X account, the TV provider urges Tigers fans to be patient:

“Hang tight—we’re working to get the Detroit Tigers games on channel 663 as soon as the season kicks off. For the Detroit Red Wings, games remain available on channel 663 (FanDuel Sports Detroit), plus local and national channels in select markets,” DIRECTV told one Tigers fan.

So, as I have predicted here all month, DIRECTV, and other TV services, will start to add the Tigers and other former FanDuel Sports Network teams (Reds, Brewers, Braves, etc.) a few days before Opening Day. You can learn more about how to order the Tigers and Red Wings via streaming here. But if you’re a cable or satellite subscriber, you might want to wait to see if your provider adds the new Detroit channel to your plan in the coming days.

Paul, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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