The Atlanta Braves have made a significant announcement, revealing that BravesVision will serve as their new local television home, commencing with the 2026 season. This move positions the Braves to take direct control over the production, sales, marketing, and distribution of telecasts for more than 140 games, a strategic decision that diverges from the approach taken by several other Major League Baseball teams.
Braves Take Control of Broadcasting
In a statement released on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the Braves outlined their plan to oversee BravesVision internally, rather than relying on Major League Baseball for production. This decision comes amid broader changes in the sports broadcasting landscape, where six other teams—including the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays—have opted to have their local broadcasts produced and distributed by MLB this season. These teams, along with the Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels, ended their previous agreements after the Main Street Sports Group, operator of the regional FanDuel Sports Network stations, failed to make scheduled rights payments.
Expanding MLB's Role in Broadcasting
Major League Baseball is set to produce broadcasts for at least 13 teams this season, having recently added the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners during the offseason. This expansion highlights MLB's growing involvement in local television production, but the Braves have chosen a different path by establishing BravesVision as an independent entity under their organizational umbrella.
Distribution and Partnerships
The Braves are currently finalising deals with various cable, satellite, and streaming services to ensure widespread availability of BravesVision telecasts. Additionally, these broadcasts will be accessible on MLB's streaming platform, providing fans with multiple viewing options. Braves president and CEO Derek Schiller emphasised the benefits of this move, stating that bringing the telecasts "back under the control of our organization" will resonate with fans who have historical ties to watching the team on networks like TBS.
Innovative Storytelling and Fan Engagement
Schiller further explained in the team's statement, "Generations of Braves fans were raised watching games on a network that shared ownership with the baseball team. With BravesVision, we believe that we can present Braves baseball in new and innovative ways, allowing us to expand and elevate our storytelling capabilities across all of our platforms." This approach aims to enhance fan experience through creative broadcasting techniques and expanded digital content.
Free-to-Air Games and Spring Training Coverage
In a move to increase accessibility, the Braves announced that a "select number" of games will be available without charge on Gray Media's network of TV stations in Atlanta and across the Southeast. The specific games will be announced prior to the season, offering fans additional opportunities to watch the team. Gray Media is also set to carry 15 Braves spring training games, further extending their broadcasting reach during the preseason.
This launch of BravesVision represents a pivotal shift in how the Atlanta Braves manage their media presence, aiming to foster deeper connections with their fanbase while navigating the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting in Major League Baseball.
