Observed Signal · Mar 12, 2026 · Partnership · Source: State of Streaming · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Angels and Kings Launch Joint Regional Sports Network
The Los Angeles Angels and NHL's Los Angeles Kings are partnering to launch a team-linked regional sports network that will replace FanDuel Sports Network on cable and satellite across Southern California. The Angels are purchasing a stake in Main Street Sports, the distressed parent of the FanDuel-branded RSNs; final terms are still being finalized with an official announcement expected soon. Local streaming distribution will use MLB's infrastructure, with reported pricing of $99.99 for Angels-only access or $199.99 for a full-league package. The move follows Main Street defaults and marks the Angels as the ninth MLB club to exit FanDuel/RSD deals, reflecting a broader shift from the legacy RSN model to a mix of league-managed broadcasts, team-owned networks, and direct-to-consumer streaming. Publication date: 2026-03-12.
Signals the continuing collapse of the legacy RSN model and a shift to team-owned, league-managed and DTC distribution — a structural change that affects local TV inventory, rights economics, and how advertisers buy regional sports audiences.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Kings are partnering to launch a regional sports network to replace FanDuel Sports Network in Southern California.
- The Angels are purchasing a stake in Main Street Sports, the parent company of the FanDuel-branded RSNs; final details remain pending.
- Local streaming will be available via MLB's distribution infrastructure, priced at $99.99 for Angels-only or $199.99 for a full-league package.
- The Angels previously received $125 million annually from their Main Street/Diamond Sports Group deal; team payroll fell by roughly $25 million year over year amid broadcast uncertainty.
- The Angels are the ninth MLB club to exit FanDuel/ Main Street Sports network deals after Main Street defaulted on payments earlier in the year.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Angels Launch MLB-Powered Angels.TV DTC Service
The Los Angeles Angels launched Angels.TV, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service built in partnership with Major League Baseball to escape the collapse of their regional sports network partner. Priced at $100 per year or $20 per month, Angels.TV offers a blackout-free in-market season for fans in the team’s home territory. MLB’s in-market streaming option is being offered as a temporary solution for roughly 20 clubs left stranded by the failing RSN model; MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden said the option removes a point of friction for fans. The arrangement is described as a stopgap while the Angels pursue longer-term options (including a potential team-owned linear network). The league’s broader strategy includes partnerships for out-of-market packages (including ESPN), underscoring ongoing fragmentation in local sports distribution.
MLB Takes Local Broadcasts In-House, Launches DTC Streaming
The collapse of regional sports network operator Main Street Sports Group forced Major League Baseball to take direct control of local broadcasts for nearly half of its teams. Nine clubs terminated their RSN contracts; seven have joined MLB’s in-house media arm, expanding its portfolio to 14 clubs (including the St. Louis Cardinals). MLB announced direct-to-consumer in-market streaming season packages priced at about $100 and is moving from guaranteed rights fees toward a revenue-sharing model — a shift that reportedly costs the Cardinals roughly $20 million in the short term. The crisis accelerates MLB’s multi-year plan to build a national streaming package by 2028 to eliminate local blackouts. Some teams (reported: the Angels and Braves) are exploring launching their own TV networks, and MLB is expanding distribution by placing MLB.TV on ESPN’s platforms.
Nine MLB Teams Terminate RSN Deals Amid Main Street Collapse
Nine Major League Baseball clubs terminated local broadcast contracts with Main Street Sports Group, the financially troubled operator of the FanDuel Sports Networks, after missed payments. The clubs said they ended deals to avoid being tied to a potential second bankruptcy at Main Street; reports say a possible sale to streamer DAZN has fallen through. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated the league is prepared to take over production and distribution of affected games and noted MLB already manages broadcasts for six teams. The terminations strip Main Street of core rights revenue and remove large, fixed cable payments from the teams’ budgets (reported as up to ~30% of some clubs' income), accelerating baseball’s shift away from the regional sports network model toward more centralized or national media solutions. The NBA and NHL are reported to be monitoring the situation for broader RSN impacts.
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