If you’re sitting on your couch right now, remote in hand, wondering is the tigers game on tv today, I have some news that might be a little frustrating.
Actually, it’s basically a "good news, bad news" situation.
The short answer? No. There is no Detroit Tigers game on TV today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Honestly, we are still deep in the heart of the "hot stove" season. It's that weird time of year where fans spend more time arguing about arbitration numbers and prospect rankings than actually watching a pitch cross home plate. We are currently about a month away from the sights and sounds of Lakeland, Florida.
Why You Can’t Find the Game (Yet)
It’s January. In the baseball world, that means the only thing hitting a bat right now is probably a stray snowflake in Detroit.
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The Tigers won't officially take the field for a televised game until February 21, 2026. That's when they head to Tampa to face the New York Yankees for the Spring Training opener.
So, if you were hoping to see Tarik Skubal mowing down hitters or Riley Greene smashing a double into the gap today, you've got a bit of a wait. Instead of a live game, the sports networks are currently dominated by the NFL playoffs—today features a massive doubleheader with the Bills visiting Denver and the 49ers taking on the Seahawks.
The Massive TV Rights Mess You Need to Know About
Now, here is where things get kinda messy for the 2026 season. Even when the games do start, finding them on your TV guide might look a lot different than last year.
You probably remember "Bally Sports Detroit." Then it became "FanDuel Sports Network." Well, as of early January 2026, the Tigers—along with eight other MLB teams—have officially terminated their contracts with Main Street Sports (the latest name for the Diamond Sports Group empire).
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Basically, the traditional regional sports network (RSN) model is collapsing. Fast.
The Tigers are currently in a bit of a "broadcast purgatory." While they haven’t officially announced their new permanent home for 2026, the team has been preparing for this. They even made play-by-play legend Jason Benetti a direct employee of the team to ensure they have control over the product regardless of which channel it ends up on.
What does this mean for you?
- MLB might take over: There is a high chance Major League Baseball will produce and distribute the games directly, just like they did for the Padres and Diamondbacks recently.
- Streaming will be king: Expect a direct-to-consumer option where you can pay for just the Tigers games without a massive cable bundle.
- Amazon Prime Video: There were deals in 2025 to put games on Prime as an add-on, and that remains a strong possibility for the 2026 stretch.
Important Dates for Your Calendar
Since you can't watch a game today, you might as well mark your calendar for when you actually can. The countdown to Spring Training is officially on.
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- February 11, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland. This is the unofficial start of spring.
- February 15, 2026: The first full-squad workout. This is when the hype really builds.
- February 21, 2026: First Grapefruit League game (vs. Yankees).
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day! The Tigers start the regular season on the road against the San Diego Padres.
What’s Happening With the Roster Right Now?
Even though there isn't a game to watch, the front office is busy. Honestly, the biggest drama right now isn't on the field; it's in the courtroom. Tarik Skubal is heading toward a record-breaking arbitration. He’s asking for $32 million while the Tigers countered at $19 million. That’s a massive gap, and how they bridge it will tell us a lot about the team's long-term spending plans.
We also just saw a few minor league signings this week. The team added catcher Aaron Antonini and pitcher Tim Naughton on minor league deals. Nothing that’s going to set the world on fire, but you need that organizational depth.
Also, keep an eye on Kevin McGonigle. There is a lot of buzz that he could pull a "Jackson Jobe" and rocket through the system to be on the Opening Day roster. If you’re looking for a reason to be excited about 2026, he’s a big part of it.
Your Actionable Offseason Game Plan
Since the Tigers aren't on TV today, here is how you can stay prepared for when the season actually kicks off:
- Check your local listings in late February: Don't assume your current cable package still has the rights. The "Main Street Sports" deal is dead, so keep an eye out for a "Tigers+ Streaming" announcement or a move to a new local channel.
- Review the MLB.TV blackout rules: If MLB takes over the broadcasts, those annoying blackout restrictions might finally start to loosen up for local fans.
- Follow Jason Benetti on social media: Since he works for the team now, he’s usually the first to give hints about where the broadcast will land.
- Get your tickets for Lakeland: If you're planning a trip to see them in person, Spring Training tickets at Joker Marchant Stadium are already on sale.
The wait for Detroit Tigers baseball is almost over, but for today, you’ll have to settle for football or some old highlights on YouTube.