The news quietly slipped out that the Atlanta Braves were one of just three teams, along with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, that chose not to follow the Brewers, Cardinals, Rays, Reds, and Royals into MLB Media for their televised games. At the time, it felt like a curiosity. Now, it looks more like a calculated move that says a lot about where the Braves believe baseball broadcasting is headed.
Why the Braves Opted Out of MLB Media
The reason for that hesitation is becoming clearer by the hour. According to reports, the Braves are expected to launch their own television network, stepping away entirely from the traditional regional sports network model. This isn’t a vague concept or a temporary workaround. It’s a strategic shift toward full control of production, branding, and distribution, something very few franchises are positioned to do effectively.
Rather than folding their rights into a centralized MLB Media structure, the Braves appear intent on charting their own course. That decision suggests confidence not only in their on-field product, but also in the size, loyalty, and geographic reach of their fanbase, which stretches well beyond Atlanta itself.
A Blueprint Already Exists
The most logical comparison is the Rangers Sports Network, which operates under a hybrid model combining cable and satellite distribution, a local over-the-air partner, and a dedicated streaming option in Victory+. That structure allows the team to reach fans inside its market while also providing access points for viewers outside traditional boundaries.
For the Braves, whose TV territory covers most of the Southeastern United States, this approach is particularly appealing. Cable, satellite, and OTA broadcasts would blanket the region, while streaming, potentially via Amazon Prime or Apple TV, would extend the team’s reach nationally. Given Atlanta’s longstanding status as a regional and national brand, the upside here is significant.
What This Means for Fans and the Future
From a fan’s perspective, the transition may not feel especially jarring. Atlanta Braves games have already been available through Amazon Prime via a FanDuel Sports Network subscription, and a shift to a Braves-owned network could simply mean a rebranded version of what viewers already know. The real transformation happens behind the scenes.
For decades, the Braves were a cornerstone of the RSN model, dating back to their TBS Superstation days, when their games were broadcast nationwide and helped define an era of baseball on cable television. Moving to an in-house network represents a clean break from that legacy and a clear-eyed acknowledgment that the old system is fading.
There are still unanswered questions, and no permanent television home has been officially announced. But for the first time in years, the direction is becoming clear. If this plan moves forward, the Braves won’t just be exiting the RSN business; they’ll be staking a claim in what comes next.
