Major League Baseball takes over local broadcasts, offering new streaming options and enhanced viewing experiences
Category: Sports
Just ahead of Opening Day, the Milwaukee Brewers have announced their 2026 regular season broadcast schedule and the linear television distribution lineup for Brewers.TV, marking a new chapter for fans eager to catch every game. The announcement came on March 26, 2026, and is the result of a partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), which takes over the production and distribution of Brewers games after the broadcast rights were transferred from Main Street Sports, previously known for overseeing FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.
MLB now controls local TV rights for 15 clubs, including the Brewers, and has made it easier for fans to find where to watch games. A channel finder is available on the MLB website, allowing fans to locate broadcasts based on their video distributor. The primary channels for viewing Brewers games include:
For fans who prefer streaming, Brewers.TV offers three subscription packages: a season subscription for $99.99, a monthly subscription for $19.99, or an MLB.TV bundle that includes all teams for $199.99. This direct-to-consumer (DTC) model allows fans to watch all locally-distributed regular season games live or on-demand, with no blackouts, throughout the Brewers' home television territory, which encompasses all of Wisconsin, Iowa, eastern Minnesota, northern Illinois, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Brewers.TV officially debuts with the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox, featuring a special pregame show live from American Family Field starting at noon, followed by the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Fans can expect a more immersive viewing experience this season, with enhanced production elements that have been pioneered across MLB broadcasts. These include innovative technologies such as a live drone camera, wire cam, a home plate dirt cam, and an umpire cam, all of which will debut on Opening Day.
The Brewers have also scheduled twelve exclusive national broadcasts throughout the season, with games airing on platforms like Apple TV+, FOX, ESPN, and Peacock. Notably, Apple TV+ will feature two Friday night games: one on April 3 against the Kansas City Royals and another on June 26 against the Chicago Cubs. FOX will broadcast four Saturday matchups, including a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 23 and a rematch on August 15.
For those without cable or satellite subscriptions, the new Brewers.TV service provides an affordable alternative. Fans can subscribe directly through the MLB website, ensuring they have access to all the action without the need for traditional television services. The monthly subscription is especially appealing, priced at just $19.99, making it accessible for fans who may not want to commit to a full season package.
Meanwhile, the Brewers have ensured that ten of their games, including the highly anticipated Opening Day matchup, will be available for free over-the-air on local television channels. This approach is part of a continuing partnership with Good Karma Brands, allowing fans to catch the games without any subscription fees. WITI-TV (Channel 6) will be one of the local stations broadcasting these games, ensuring that fans across the state can engage with their team.
The broadcast team remains a familiar one for devoted fans. Brian Anderson, now entering his 20th season, will lead the play-by-play coverage. He will be joined by Jeff Levering, who is also returning for his 12th season, along with veteran analyst Bill Schroeder, who is stepping into his 32nd season. Tim Dillard and Vinny Rottino will also contribute to the commentary, each entering their sixth season. The pre- and postgame programming will be anchored by Craig Coshun, with Stephen Watson returning to support those shows. Sophia Minnaert will provide on-field reporting throughout the year, ensuring that fans receive comprehensive coverage of the games.
The new broadcasting strategy comes at a time when many sports teams are re-evaluating their media partnerships and distribution methods. By taking control of their broadcast rights, the Brewers aim to offer fans a more cohesive viewing experience that aligns with modern consumption habits. This shift reflects a broader trend across Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly investing directly into their media strategies to engage fans more effectively.
For fans eager to catch every pitch and swing, the Brewers' revamped broadcasting plan promises a season filled with excitement and accessibility. Whether tuning into traditional cable broadcasts or exploring the new streaming options, fans have more ways than ever to support their team from the comfort of their homes.
With the season officially kicking off, fans are encouraged to check the channel finder on the MLB website to confirm their local listings and subscription options. The Milwaukee Brewers are set to make their mark this season, and with a fresh broadcasting approach, there’s no shortage of ways for fans to stay connected to the action.
"We are excited to bring our fans a new and enhanced viewing experience this season," said a team spokesperson during the announcement. "With the combination of traditional broadcasts and innovative streaming options, we are committed to making every game accessible to our loyal supporters."