Pistons Partner with Scripps Sports for Free Over-the-Air Broadcasts, Streaming Solution Pending
The Detroit Pistons have signed a multi-year deal with Scripps Sports to broadcast their games over-the-air on WYMD-TV, starting in the 2026-27 season. This move returns local free TV broadcasts for the team and includes a future streaming solution to be announced. This decision follows the dissolution of FanDuel Sports Detroit and represents a shift by sports teams toward broader audience reach.
Key Takeaways
- Pistons games will be broadcast over-the-air on WYMD-TV (Channel 20) in Detroit, accessible for free.
- A streaming solution will accompany the over-the-air broadcasts and details are forthcoming.
- The move follows the shutdown of FanDuel Sports Detroit, previously the broadcast home for the Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings.
- The Tigers now broadcast on Detroit SportsNet, owned by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, with the Red Wings joining this fall.
- Longtime broadcasters George Blaha and Greg Kelser are expected to transition to the new Scripps Sports broadcast.
Why It Matters
The Pistons' shift to over-the-air broadcasts signals a strategic move by sports franchises to broaden audience reach beyond traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) and paid streaming. This decision provides free access to local games for a wider Michigan audience, contrasting with the paid subscription model adopted by other Detroit teams like the Tigers and Red Wings. The pending announcement of a streaming component will determine the full scope of their hybrid distribution strategy and its competitive positioning against other direct-to-consumer sports offerings.
Additional Context
The Detroit Pistons' agreement with Scripps Sports for over-the-air broadcasts marks Scripps' initial foray into NBA local media rights. This deal, announced in May 2026 (Scripps Press Release, May 2026; Sports Business Journal, May 2026), follows a trend of professional sports teams seeking alternative distribution models after the collapse of several regional sports networks. Notably, the value of the Pistons' rights fee is estimated to be significantly lower than previous deals, ranging between $8 million and $10 million, with the team reportedly planning to offset the difference through ad sales via Playfly Sports (Sports Video Group, May 2026). Scripps Sports has been active in securing local rights across various leagues, having already established partnerships with five NHL teams (Golden Knights, Mammoth, Predators, Lightning, Panthers), the WNBA's Aces, and NWSL's Denver Summit (TV Technology, May 2026). The Pistons' previous RSN, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, ceased operations, leading 13 NBA teams to seek new local TV arrangements for the upcoming season (Sports Business Journal, May 2026). Other teams, such as the Tigers and Red Wings, also formerly on FanDuel Sports Detroit, have since launched their own RSN, Detroit SportsNet, in collaboration with MLB Media for production and distribution (Detroit Free Press, May 2026).
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