Detroit Red Wings: New TV Home, Unresolved Front Office Drama as Season Nears
The Detroit Red Wings are set to return to the ice for the 2025-26 season, but fans will notice a major change in how they watch the games. In a groundbreaking partnership, Red Wings games will air on a channel operated by Major League Baseball. The new network, called Detroit SportsNet, will carry the games locally, with streaming options available for out-of-market viewers. “We’re thrilled to begin our first season of Red Wings hockey on Detroit SportsNet with an incredible broadcast team,” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment president Ryan Gustafson in a statement. “In partnership with Major League Baseball, we focused on giving fans access to games however they want to watch – on television throughout our home market, and through a reliable streaming platform.” The familiar voices of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond will return as the lead TV announcers, with Stu Grimson occasionally filling in for Redmond. So, yes, there will be a little bit of baseball with your hockey, if you choose to watch that way.
On the ice, the sounds of hockey were back on the Detroit Red Wings’ practice rink Saturday as the team’s prospect tournament got underway. However, the start of the tournament also highlighted that none of the Red Wings’ summer drama has been resolved. The team still lacks a general manager, and a new head of hockey operations will be stepping onto a moving treadmill with little time to plan. One key player’s future remains up in the air as he reports to camp Thursday with the rest of the team, waiting for the team to name a general manager. “He’s an important part of our team,” a team source said, underscoring the urgency to resolve the leadership void.
As the Red Wings prepare for the upcoming season, the unresolved front-office questions loom large. The new TV deal with Major League Baseball’s network is a positive step for fan accessibility, but the on-ice product still faces uncertainty. With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on the team to see how quickly they can fill the GM position and settle the roster. For now, fans can look forward to watching their team on Detroit SportsNet, even if it means a little baseball flavor with their hockey.
Shimanta Das 
