So, you're sitting on the couch, beverage in hand, and you just want to know what channel is tigers on tonight. It sounds like a simple question. In the "old days," you just flipped to channel 2 or 50 and there they were. But baseball broadcasting in 2026 is a bit of a maze, honestly. Between regional sports networks changing names and streaming services fighting over rights, finding Riley Greene and the boys requires a quick check of the map.
The Local Home: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
For almost every game this season, your primary answer is FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. If that name sounds weird, it’s because it used to be Bally Sports Detroit. Same channel, different logo on the corner of the screen.
If you have traditional cable or satellite, you’re basically looking for the same channel number you’ve used for years. Xfinity customers usually find it on channel 707 (HD), while DirecTV folks are looking at 664. It’s the workhorse of the schedule, carrying about 150 games this year.
Streaming FanDuel Sports Network Without Cable
A lot of us have cut the cord, which makes things slightly more annoying but totally doable. You can't just get this on YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV anymore—those services and the regional networks haven't played nice in a while.
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If you want the local broadcast via streaming, you've basically got three main paths:
- DirecTV STREAM: You’ll need the "Choice" package or higher. It’s pricey, but it’s the most "cable-like" experience.
- Fubo: They carry FanDuel Sports Network Detroit in the local market. It’s a solid sports-heavy option.
- FanDuel Sports Network App: You can go "Direct-to-Consumer." It’s about $20 a month. You just download the app on your Roku or phone and subscribe directly. No middleman required.
What Channel Is Tigers On for National Games?
Sometimes the Tigers get the "Big Stage" treatment. When they do, FanDuel Sports Network goes dark, and you have to hunt elsewhere. These are the games that usually frustrate fans because they aren't on the "normal" channel.
FOX and FS1 take a handful of Saturday games. If it’s on the main FOX 2 station in Detroit, you can actually pull that in for free with a good old-fashioned antenna. ESPN still holds onto Sunday Night Baseball, though the Tigers have to be playing pretty well to snag one of those coveted slots.
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Then there’s the Apple TV+ factor. Like it or hate it, Friday Night Baseball is a thing. If the Tigers are scheduled for a Friday night national slot, it might be exclusive to the Apple TV app. You don’t necessarily need an Apple device, but you do need their subscription.
The MLB.TV Blackout Headache
If you live in Grand Rapids, Lansing, or even parts of northern Ohio, you are technically in "Tigers Territory." This means if you buy MLB.TV to watch the games, you're going to see that dreaded "This game is blacked out in your area" message for almost every live game.
MLB.TV is really only meant for fans living outside of Michigan. If you’re a Tigers fan living in Florida or California, MLB.TV is your best friend. But for locals? It’s basically only useful if you want to watch the game 90 minutes after it ends.
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Tuning in on the Radio
There’s something special about listening to Dan Dickerson call a game on a warm Michigan evening. If you can't get to a TV, the Detroit Tigers Radio Network is massive.
The flagship is 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM) in Detroit. If you're driving across the state, the signal usually hands off to affiliates like WJIM 1240 AM in Lansing or WOOD 1300 AM in Grand Rapids. Honestly, the Audacy app is a lifesaver here because you can stream the radio feed for free on your phone as long as you're in the broadcast region.
Quick Checklist for Today's Game
Before you give up and just check the box score, run through this mental list:
- Is it a weekday? It’s probably on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.
- Is it Friday night? Check the Apple TV+ app just in case.
- Is it a big Saturday matchup? Flip over to FOX 2 or FS1.
- Are you out of state? Fire up MLB.TV.
The Tigers are looking competitive this year, and Jason Benetti in the booth makes even the blowout losses worth watching. Just make sure you're on the right input before the first pitch.
To make sure you never miss a start, you should download the MLB app and set the Tigers as your favorite team; it’ll send a "Game Starting" notification directly to your phone with the specific TV station listed for that day.