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Royals Exercise 2026 Option with FanDuel Sports Network

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 16:36 GMT by MLB
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Kansas City Royals Exercise 2026 Option in FanDuel Sports Network Partnership

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they have exercised the 2026 option in their media rights agreement with the FanDuel Sports Network (FDSN). The decision extends the Royals’ unique streaming partnership, making them the only Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise that continues to broadcast games exclusively through a digital platform for the foreseeable future. The extension will see the Royals’ games, both home and away, available to fans via the FanDuel app and website, ensuring a consistent on‑air presence in the growing streaming‑first era of sports consumption.

Background of the Partnership

The Royals entered into their first agreement with FanDuel in 2023, a year after the team made the bold move to broadcast all of its games on the FanDuel Sports Network. The partnership replaced the traditional local broadcast arrangement with a regional sports network (RSN), allowing the Royals to tap into a national streaming audience and generate new revenue streams. The arrangement also came with a weekly primetime show, “Royals Live,” which features in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content that airs on the FanDuel platform. The broadcast schedule for the 2023–2024 seasons saw the Royals covering 18 home games, 20 road games, and all postseason appearances.

In the original deal, the Royals secured a $2.3 million annual fee from FanDuel, plus a 4.5% revenue‑sharing component on digital subscriptions. The fan‑centric network provides a flexible viewing experience that can be accessed on mobile devices, smart TVs, and computers. FanDuel Sports Network’s platform has been praised for its user‑friendly interface, real‑time statistics, and interactive features, allowing fans to engage with the game in ways that traditional television cannot match.

Details of the 2026 Option

Under the terms of the 2026 option, the Royals and FanDuel will renew the partnership for a further three seasons, extending through 2028. The extended agreement includes a revised financial structure that reflects the growing value of streaming media in sports. FanDuel will receive a base fee of $3.2 million per year, with an additional 5% share of subscription revenue generated specifically for Royals content. In exchange, FanDuel commits to a comprehensive marketing campaign that will elevate the Royals brand across the United States.

The extension also preserves the exclusive broadcast rights to all regular‑season games. FanDuel will produce the commentary and in‑game graphics for all broadcasts, with Royals‑trained commentators providing the play‑by‑play. The network’s technology will deliver “smart” overlays, including real‑time analytics, advanced pitch‑tracking, and 360‑degree replay, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

Impact on Fans and Local Media

The decision to continue the partnership has drawn mixed reactions from fans and local broadcasters. Proponents argue that streaming offers a more accessible and personalized experience, particularly for younger audiences who prefer digital consumption. They note that FanDuel’s platform allows for on‑demand viewing, interactive statistics, and multi‑camera angles, providing a richer experience than the static local broadcast.

Critics, however, voice concerns about the loss of a traditional local television presence. They point out that the partnership eliminates the local network’s coverage of Royals games, which historically has been a staple for the community. Some local media outlets have highlighted the potential impact on local advertising revenue and the sense of community that a local broadcast fosters.

In response, the Royals’ leadership has emphasized the importance of balancing local traditions with innovation. The organization states that the partnership allows them to maintain high‑quality coverage while reaching a broader audience. They also highlight that the Royals will continue to partner with local radio and the Kansas City Television (KCTV) station for certain special events and post‑game coverage.

Industry Implications

The Royals’ move reflects a broader trend in sports media rights, as teams increasingly explore alternative revenue streams through direct‑to‑consumer streaming services. Major league teams across the country are examining how to monetize digital platforms, especially with the growing importance of cord‑cutting consumers. FanDuel’s investment in a dedicated sports network has been seen as a strategic move to capture sports fans in an era dominated by streaming giants.

The partnership also signals to other MLB franchises that a streaming‑first approach can be viable. MLB’s collective bargaining agreement allows teams to negotiate their own media rights deals, and the Royals’ agreement has set a new benchmark for how a team can structure a deal with a digital streaming partner.

What to Expect for the 2026 Season

The Royals will continue to broadcast a robust slate of games, with FanDuel delivering play‑by‑play coverage and behind‑the‑scenes content. The network will offer exclusive interviews with players and coaches, as well as special features on player health, training, and community outreach. In addition, the partnership will allow for the expansion of the “Royals Live” weekly show, which will now feature guest analysts from MLB, former Royals players, and other sports personalities.

For fans, the next seasons promise a blend of traditional baseball storytelling with interactive, tech‑enhanced viewing. The Royals and FanDuel aim to deepen fan engagement through immersive experiences, including social media integration, real‑time polling, and a dedicated app that offers curated content tailored to each fan’s interests.

In summary, the Kansas City Royals’ decision to exercise their 2026 option with FanDuel Sports Network solidifies the franchise’s commitment to a streaming‑first model, setting a precedent for the evolving landscape of sports media rights. As the partnership moves into the next phase, the Royals and FanDuel will continue to work together to deliver high‑quality broadcasts, innovative fan experiences, and a fresh approach to connecting with baseball’s growing digital audience.