Pistons, Red Wings And Tigers Fans Can Watch Games On New FanDuel Sports Network

Written By Corey Sharp on October 24, 2024 - Last Updated on October 25, 2024
fact-check-icon Fact checked by
John Ferguson
Photo of John Ferguson
Fact checked by John Ferguson

Read more about our publishing principles.
detroit red wings celebrate

FanDuel is getting into the TV business, which directly affects Detroit professional sports. FanDuel struck a deal with Diamond Sports Group (DSG) in acquiring the naming rights to 16 regional sports networks (RSNs).

The Pistons, who open their NBA season on Wednesday, will be shown on FanDuel Sports Network. The Red Wings debuted on the new station in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over the New York Islanders. The deal also applies to the Tigers, as their regular season starts in late March 2025.

The deal gives FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan much more visibility in the state. It is already leading Michigan online sportsbooks in lifetime revenue and handle.

New deal makes easier to watch Detroit sports for fans

Because of DSG’s financial troubles in the spring, Comcast/Xfinity removed Tigers games from local television. Tigers fans had a few ways to watch games, but it involved an additional subscription.

News of FanDuel’s involvement in acquiring naming rights to RSNs surfaced in June, and seemed like a formality. That became official earlier this week as DSG CEO, David Preschlack, spoke about the importance of the fan experience.

“This partnership reinforces opportunities to further strengthen the close connection our RSNs have with local fans, including enhancing our DTC offering for a growing digital audience,” he said in a statement.

“In the meantime, having finalized agreements with the NBA, NHL and our key distributors, we remain focused on moving our business forward and driving value for our team partners and our stakeholders.”

Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers games are now available on fans’ existing Comcast/Xfinity cable packages without an additional cost. Here are the next games for the following Detroit teams:

  • Red Wings: Thursday Oct. 24 vs. New Jersey Devils
  • Tigers: Thursday, March 27 (2025) at Los Angeles Dodgers

How the new deal affects FanDuel, Michigan bettors

The naming rights is obviously one of the biggest aspects of the partnership. The FanDuel name will be displayed to fans across multiple markets, including Detroit.

 “Partnering with Diamond provides us an opportunity to put the FanDuel brand at the intersection of the nation’s largest group of regional sports networks,” FanDuel’s President of Sports, Mike Raffensperger, said.

“A large cohort of FanDuel customers are devoted RSN viewers and this agreement allows us to further cement the FanDuel brand with sports fans and provides a unique vehicle to reward our users.”

In addition, FanDuel is also able to promote its product to bettors across NBA, NHL and MLB games. There is also going to be effort into a unified direct-to-consumer app experience that features FanDuel programming such as Up & Adams and Run It Back.

FanDuel is the clear market leader in the Great Lakes State, and this partnership to put its name in front of  millions of more fans in the Greater Detroit area is only going to make it stronger.

Photo by Shutterstock
Corey Sharp Avatar
Written by
Corey Sharp

Corey Sharp joined Catena Media in 2022 and is the go-to expert for Michigan gambling. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he previously worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and NBC Sports Philadelphia as a sports journalist and content producer. In Corey’s role as Lead Writer for PlayMichigan, he works alongside a talented team of expert journalists and analysts to bring you the most comprehensive and accurate coverage of gambling news in Michigan. Corey’s contacts around the industry makes him a trusted source. Corey produces daily stories and features about the gambling space. Corey graduated from Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

View all posts by Corey Sharp
Privacy Policy