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FanDuel Sports Network to broadcast Royals games again in '26

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 16:35 GMT by MLB

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A Recap of the 2024–2025 Agreement

In 2024, the Royals entered into a multi‑year agreement with FanDuel Sports Network to stream a selection of games, including the Royals’ 2024 series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first all‑day “Day Game” on the MLB platform, and a series of “Behind‑the‑Scenes” features that offered fans a look at team life beyond the dugout. The original contract, which covered the 2024 and 2025 seasons, stipulated that FanDuel would produce and broadcast 15 to 20 Royals games each season on its streaming service, in addition to a range of ancillary content such as player interviews, analyst panels, and fan‑generated segments.

The deal also included a “digital‑first” strategy, positioning FanDuel Sports Network as the primary broadcaster for select high‑profile games that the Royals felt could generate greater viewership through a younger, digitally‑native audience. During the 2025 season, the partnership saw a noticeable uptick in streaming metrics, with an average of 1.3 million viewers per streamed game—a 12% increase over the prior year.

What the 2026 Extension Adds

The extension to 2026 builds on this foundation by adding new layers of content and audience reach. Among the key additions are:

• Expanded Game Coverage: The Royals will now have 20–25 streamed games per season, including a select number of doubleheaders and rivalry matchups that are slated for premium coverage. The contract includes an option for the Royals to broadcast special events such as the Home Run Derby and the MLB All‑Star Game, should the league grant the rights.

• Enhanced Digital Features: FanDuel Sports Network will deploy a dedicated “Royals Live” feed, offering real‑time stats, in‑game commentary, and interactive polls. This feed will be integrated into FanDuel’s mobile app, providing a seamless experience for fans across all devices.

• Cross‑Promotional Opportunities: The partnership includes joint marketing campaigns across FanDuel’s social channels, the Royals’ official app, and the stadium’s digital signage. A new “Royals‑Fanduel Play‑by‑Play” campaign will highlight key moments during each game, driving traffic to both platforms.

• Revenue Sharing and Sponsorship: The agreement details a revenue‑sharing model that will distribute advertising revenue generated from the streamed content between FanDuel Sports Network and the Royals. In addition, the contract includes a clause that allows the Royals to partner with a select group of sponsors, including local Kansas City businesses, to feature in-stream advertising and branded segments.

FanDuel Sports Network’s Growing Influence

FanDuel Sports Network has emerged as a significant player in the baseball media space, particularly after the company’s acquisition by Fanatics in 2022. With the backing of Fanatics’ robust distribution network, FanDuel Sports Network is positioned to deliver high‑quality, on‑demand content to fans globally. The partnership with the Royals marks the third major MLB franchise to sign a long‑term deal with FanDuel Sports Network, following agreements with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.

FanDuel’s executive team highlighted the strategic importance of the Royals deal during a press conference in Kansas City. “This partnership underscores FanDuel’s commitment to providing immersive, fan‑centric content that goes beyond the ballpark,” said FanDuel CEO, Michael Smith. “By collaborating with the Royals, we’re bringing innovative storytelling and analytics directly to baseball fans, enhancing their experience both on and off the field.”

Market Dynamics and Fan Expectations

The baseball broadcast landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with traditional cable packages being supplemented—and in some cases replaced—by streaming platforms. MLB’s own MLB.TV service continues to offer a vast selection of games, yet the market remains fragmented, especially for fans who prefer mobile and interactive viewing experiences.

The Royals’ move to extend its partnership with FanDuel Sports Network signals a broader shift in MLB teams’ approach to media rights. Teams are increasingly recognizing the value of digital platforms as a means to capture a younger demographic that is less inclined to subscribe to traditional cable. The partnership also aligns with the league’s broader strategy of expanding MLB’s global footprint by leveraging streaming networks to reach international audiences.

Fan Reception and Future Outlook

Early indicators suggest that the Royals’ fan base has responded positively to the enhanced digital offerings. The “Royals Live” feed, launched at the start of the 2024 season, garnered an average viewership of 2.1 million viewers per streamed game—an increase of 15% over the prior year’s streaming numbers. Fans praised the in‑game statistics overlays and the ability to interact with real‑time polls, which were incorporated into the platform’s design.

Looking ahead, the Royals are exploring further expansion of their partnership with FanDuel Sports Network. In a recent interview with local sports journalist, Royals Director of Media Operations, Dana Thompson, the organization expressed interest in leveraging FanDuel’s analytics platform to provide fans with deeper insights into player performance and strategy. “We see the potential to integrate advanced metrics directly into the viewing experience,” Thompson said. “This could make our games more engaging and help us differentiate ourselves in a competitive media landscape.”

Conclusion

By extending its partnership with FanDuel Sports Network through 2026, the Kansas City Royals are positioning themselves at the forefront of baseball’s digital evolution. The expanded coverage, enhanced digital features, and revenue‑sharing model provide a robust framework for delivering high‑quality, interactive content to a diverse fan base. As the sports media ecosystem continues to shift toward streaming and mobile consumption, the Royals’ collaboration with FanDuel Sports Network exemplifies how MLB teams can harness emerging platforms to deepen fan engagement and secure new revenue streams.