Major League Baseball is stepping in to take over production and distribution of all Cincinnati Reds broadcasts after the team announced FanDuel Sports, its current broadcaster, may be nearing collapse.

The move follows reports that FanDuel’s parent company has failed to pay multiple professional teams and could shut down, prompting MLB to assume full control of Reds game broadcasts beginning this season.

Doug Johnson, MLB's senior vice president and executive producer for local media, did not immediately return and email seeking comment. And Michael Anderson, Reds public relations manager, did not immediately return a text seeking comment.

What we know

• MLB is taking over all Cincinnati Reds broadcasts beginning with the upcoming season.

• The Reds announced the change on Feb. 2, 2026, saying MLB will replace FanDuel Sports as the producer and distributor of games.

• FanDuel Sports’ parent company has reportedly failed to pay multiple pro teams and may be close to shutting down. Main Street Sports Group, which owns the FanDuel Sports Network, announced last month that it would lay off a half-dozen employees at its office at Great American Ballpark in connection with the closing of its facility. The layoffs are scheduled to begin April 14.

• Altafiber has begun negotiations with MLB to carry the new broadcasts for local viewers. Altafiber expects to share more details in the coming weeks as MLB transitions into the broadcast role.

• FanDuel instability could disrupt broadcasts for the Cavaliers (NBA) and Blue Jackets (NHL).

• NBA and NHL teams could lose local TV coverage entirely if FanDuel collapses.

What we don't know

• Whether Altafiber and MLB will reach a final agreement, and the timeline for that agreement.

• How MLB plans to distribute Reds games locally − via cable, streaming, a new channel, or a combination.

• Whether Reds broadcasts will remain free or require a subscription under MLB control.

• If there will be any gaps or delays in Reds broadcast availability during the transition.

• What will happen to Cavaliers and Blue Jackets broadcasts if FanDuel collapses midseason.

• How long FanDuel Sports can remain operational before an official shutdown.

• Whether production quality, channel placement, or on‑air talent will change under MLB.

• How other providers may respond, since they face the same uncertainties.