You're sitting there, beverage in hand, ready to see if the boys from Detroit can pull off another late-inning miracle. But then you hit that annoying wall. You scroll through the guide, and it’s just infomercials and local news. If you’re asking what channel are the detroit tigers on tonight, the answer isn't always as simple as "turn to 4." Between the rebranding of regional networks and the rise of exclusive streaming deals, finding the game can feel like a part-time job.
Where to Find the Tigers Right Now
In 2026, the landscape for Detroit sports fans has shifted again. For most of the regular season, your primary destination is FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. If that name sounds new, it's because it took over the space formerly occupied by Bally Sports. Honestly, it's basically the same channel number on most cable systems, but the logo in the corner has definitely changed.
If you’re a cable cutter or just prefer the flexibility of streaming, things get a bit more technical. You aren't stuck with a traditional box anymore.
- DIRECTV STREAM: This remains one of the most reliable ways to get the regional sports network (RSN) without a long-term contract. You'll usually need the "Choice" package or higher to get FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.
- Fubo: Still a heavy hitter for sports fans. They carry the local Tigers broadcasts, though they do hit you with that regional sports fee which can be a bummer.
- Amazon Prime Video: This is a big one for 2026. You can now add FanDuel Sports Network as a "channel" directly within the Prime app. It’s super convenient if you’re already in that ecosystem.
What About Tonight Specifically?
Since today is January 15, 2026, the short answer is: there is no game tonight. The MLB season doesn't kick off its regular-season schedule until late March. According to the official 2026 schedule, the Tigers won't actually take the field for a meaningful game until March 26, 2026, when they open on the road against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
If you're desperate for some baseball, Spring Training is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers report in about a month, and the first televised Grapefruit League game from Lakeland usually pops up around late February. The Tigers’ first spring game is slated for February 21 against the Yankees.
✨ Don't miss: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
The National TV Wildcards
Sometimes you’ll look for the game on the local channel and find a poker tournament instead. That’s because of the "exclusive" windows. MLB loves their national partners, and when a game is picked up by a big network, the local feed often goes dark.
Apple TV+ still has their "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheaders. If the Tigers are scheduled there, you won't find them on cable. You have to open the Apple TV app. You've probably noticed the high-quality cameras they use—it looks great, but it’s one more subscription to juggle.
Then there’s ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. While the Tigers haven't been the darlings of national media lately, a hot start in 2026 could see them flexed into that primetime slot. When that happens, it's ESPN or bust. No local broadcast. No Jason Benetti on the call.
Staying Connected Out of Market
If you’re a Tigers fan living in Chicago, Florida, or anywhere outside the "home" territory, you’re actually in a better spot for streaming. MLB.TV is your best friend. It lets you watch every single out-of-market game.
🔗 Read more: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
The catch? The "blackout" rules.
If you live in Michigan, Toledo, or parts of Indiana, you cannot use MLB.TV to watch the Tigers live. It’s frustrating. It's outdated. But it’s the reality of the current TV contracts. If you’re inside the broadcast region, you must use a service that carries FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.
Radio: The Old Reliable
When the TV situation becomes a headache, there’s always the radio. Dan Dickerson is still the gold standard for play-by-play. In the Detroit area, 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM) is the flagship station.
If you're driving across the state, the Detroit Tigers Radio Network is massive. You can find the game on:
💡 You might also like: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
- WJIM 1240 AM in Lansing
- WOOD 106.9 FM in Grand Rapids
- WSGW 790 AM in Saginaw
The cool thing about 2026 is that the Tigers have expanded their Spanish-language broadcasts. You can catch every home game on 1270 AM in Detroit with Carlos Guillen and Barbaro Garby. It’s a great way to experience the game with a different energy.
Practical Steps for the 2026 Season
To make sure you never miss a pitch once the season starts in March, do these three things now:
- Check your provider: Ensure your cable or streaming package includes FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. If you’re on YouTube TV, remember they famously don't carry most RSNs, so you might need a secondary option like the FanDuel Sports Network standalone app ($20/month).
- Download the MLB App: Even if you don't pay for the premium features, it's the fastest way to see the "Watch" or "Listen" icons which tell you exactly which network has the rights for that night's game.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the Tigers' official site and download the schedule to your phone. It usually updates with specific TV listings (like whether it's on FOX or FS1) a few weeks before the games happen.
The road to the 2026 postseason starts at Petco Park in March. Until then, keep an eye on the waiver wire moves—the roster is already looking a lot different than last year.