Cincinnati Reds Television: What the 2025 MLB Shift Means for Fans

The Cincinnati Reds will join Major League Baseball’s (MLB) in-house broadcasting production for the 2025 season, following the bankruptcy of their former partner, Diamond Sports Group (DSG). This shift to MLB-produced Cincinnati Reds Television broadcasts will bring significant changes for fans, impacting both viewing options and team finances.

Reds host visitation for Pete Rose at Great American Ball Park

A New Era for Cincinnati Reds Television: Streaming and Cable Access

The transition to MLB’s broadcast production means fans will have access to Cincinnati Reds games through direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services. A significant advantage of this model is the elimination of geographical blackout restrictions. Fans residing outside the Cincinnati market will be able to stream games without limitations. Those who currently subscribe to cable packages that included Bally’s Sports Network (now FanDuel Sports Network) will likely still find Reds games available on cable in 2025. Specific cable channels carrying the MLB-produced broadcasts will be announced by the Reds and MLB at a later date.

The Cost of Cincinnati Reds Games on TV: DTC Fees and Potential Financial Impact

While the expanded access through streaming offers convenience, it comes at a price. Fans opting for DTC streaming will incur additional fees on top of their existing streaming or cable subscriptions. Based on pricing models from other MLB teams using similar arrangements, monthly fees could start at $19.99, with season packages around $100. These prices may vary depending on in-market or out-of-market rates.

The financial implications of this broadcasting shift extend to the Reds organization as well. Industry experts anticipate a substantial reduction in local TV revenue for the team. The Reds’ previous contract with DSG was estimated to generate around $60 million annually. Moving to the MLB production model, which relies on accumulated income from subscriber fees and advertising rather than fixed rights fees, could result in a significant decrease – potentially 50% or more – in local television revenue. This reduction may impact the team’s payroll and future spending on player acquisitions.

Looking Ahead: MLB’s Broader Broadcasting Strategy

The Reds are not alone in this transition. Several other MLB teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Guardians, have also partnered with MLB for local broadcast production and distribution. This trend suggests a broader strategy by MLB to consolidate control over its broadcasting rights and potentially leverage this collective power in future negotiations with national TV networks. With MLB’s national TV contracts set to expire in the coming years, the league may seek to recoup some of the short-term financial losses by offering comprehensive content packages to streaming and cable providers. The three-year timeframe of the Cardinals’ renegotiated deal with DSG, resulting in a 25% reduction in their annual rights fee, may align strategically with the expiration of these national contracts.

Conclusion: A Changing Landscape for Cincinnati Reds Fans

The move to MLB-produced Cincinnati Reds television broadcasts in 2025 marks a significant change for fans. While expanded access through streaming eliminates blackout restrictions, it also introduces new costs. The long-term financial impact on the Reds organization and the broader landscape of MLB broadcasting remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the way fans experience Cincinnati Reds baseball on television is evolving.