Get your antennas out!
The Royals announced an agreement with Gray Media to simulcast ten games this year on KCTV5 and KSMO in Kansas City via free, over-the-air broadcasts. The games will be on Sunday, with specific games to be announced later. Gray Media also owns a number of stadiums throughout the Midwest. The Royals estimate that these games will be accessible by up to 7 million households.
Games will also air on the FanDuel Sports Network, formerly known as Bally Sports Kansas City. Back in December, the Royals re-signed a short-term deal with Diamond Sports, the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network. At that time, club president Brooks Sherman hinted that over-the-air broadcasts would be coming this year.
Diamond’s tough negotiating stance with satellite and streaming carriers has led to their regional sports networks being dropped, leaving many fans without access to Royals baseball. The drama over Diamond Sports and their navigation through bankruptcy court led many teams to end their agreements. Many expect MLB to try to collect many local TV rights to offer their own in streaming package in 2028
The Rangers and Braves also signed deals with Gray Media to broadcast 15 games over-the-air. The Royals have not broadcast a game over-the-air since 2007.
Baseball teams took lucrative TV deals with broadcast partners, only to find many of their fans couldn’t access their product. Many owners have realized this shortcoming, but it will take time to unwind these contracts and find new ways of delivering greater access to fans. Hopefully this is a positive first step that will allow more fans to be able to watch their favorite boys in blue.