The Texas Rangers have officially unveiled the Rangers Sports Network, a dedicated broadcasting entity designed to enhance the team’s media presence. This initiative represents the culmination of an extensive effort spanning several months, aimed at establishing an independent network after the expiration of their broadcasting agreement with Diamond Sports Group, which has now transitioned to operate as Main Street Sports at the conclusion of the 2024 season. This strategic move aims to empower the franchise to have greater control over its media content and broadcasting capabilities.

“One of our primary objectives in exploring options for Rangers television broadcasts was to significantly enhance fan access to our games,” stated Rangers owner Ray Davis in a recent press release. “We concluded that taking many of our broadcast responsibilities in-house would be the most effective way to provide our fans with additional viewing options.

By establishing the Rangers Sports Network to manage our production obligations for broadcasts and related content, we believe this entity is well-positioned to meet the needs of Rangers fans and explore other potential broadcasting opportunities going forward,” Davis elaborated, emphasizing the commitment to quality and accessibility.

This new approach enables the Rangers to directly negotiate contracts with various cable and streaming providers, significantly enhancing in-market broadcast availability. They have already secured a streaming partnership with Victory+, which also collaborates with the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars. Furthermore, the Rangers have plans to reveal additional agreements with both cable and broadcast television providers shortly, which is expected to broaden their reach.

According to Evan Grant from the Dallas Morning News, these upcoming contracts are anticipated to increase access to Rangers games for nearly every household within the team’s broadcasting territory. This area includes not only all of Texas but also extends into Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas. Grant highlights that previously, only a limited number of households could access Rangers games on Diamond’s Bally Sports Southwest due to distribution challenges faced by Diamond in securing agreements with various carriers.

In contrast to other teams that had existing contracts with Diamond, the Rangers opted for a unique strategy. Most franchises chose to renegotiate one-year deals with the newly branded Main Street Sports at a reduced fee. A select few transferred their broadcasting rights to Major League Baseball, allowing those teams’ games to be accessible in-market via MLB.tv.