Matt Johnson
The Milwaukee Brewers traded starting pitcher Freddy Peralta this offseason, continuing their tradition of trading marquee players to reduce payroll and enrich the farm system. That approach could be even more apparent in the years to come following recent changes with broadcasting rights.
After having to cut ties with the FanDuel Sports Network and partner with MLB’s media department to broadcast games, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio recently told Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the change in TV rights may cost the team $20 million this year.
Under the previous broadcasting deal with Fanduel Sports Network, the Brewers and MLB clubs received a flat payment in exchange for the broadcasting rights to their regular-seasom games. However, when the network’s owner Main Street Sports Group experienced financial turmoil and could no longer afford to pay the clubs, they were forced to bail.
Milwaukee was among nine teams that terminated their contracts with Main Street Sports Group on Jan. 8, per ESPN. Just before Opening Day, Brewers.TV was announced in partnership with MLB. The single-team package for Milwaukee’s baseball fans costs $99.99 for a full season or $19.99 per month and is available on Xfinity (Channel 1263), Spectrum (Channels 319 and 469), DirecTV (Channel 670), Fubo, AT&T U-verse (Channel 1473) and ESPN Unlimited.
Unfortunately for the Brewers and other teams partnered with MLB, the revenue model is very different than previous agreements with regional sports networks. MLB gives no fee for the broadcasting rights, instead only providing clubs each month with whatever revenue is generated from the broadcasting deals minus the cost of producing the broadcasts.
In 2024, the Brewers’ payroll sat 18th in Major League Baseball at $162.786 million, and it dropped to $143.593 million (22nd) last season. As of Opening Day 2026, per Spotrac, the Brewers rank 22nd in payroll at $132.994 million.
Depending on how much revenue Brewers.TV generates this season, it’s possible payroll could be slashed even further next season. It’s worth noting that Brandon Woodruff ($22.025 million) is on an expiring contract and Milwaukee also holds a $14.5 million club option for the 2027 season on William Contreras that could be declined or he could be traded.
