Detroit Pistons Reportedly Set for New TV Home Beginning in 2026-27
Free over-the-air basketball could be coming back to Detroit.
For Detroit Pistons fans, watching games may soon become a lot easier—and a lot cheaper.
According to multiple industry reports, the Detroit Pistons are expected to leave FanDuel Sports Network Detroit following the 2025-26 season and move their local television broadcasts to Scripps Sports and TV20 Detroit (WMYD) beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season.
If finalized, the move would make Detroit one of the latest NBA franchises to shift away from the regional sports network model and toward free over-the-air television, giving fans access to most regular season games without needing a cable subscription.
For Pistons fans across Michigan, that could be a game changer.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
The reported deal would allow TV20 Detroit to carry all locally produced Pistons broadcasts that are not selected for national television.
That means:
More free access to Pistons games
No need for FanDuel Sports Network for local coverage
Potential statewide expansion through Scripps affiliate stations
A possible direct-to-consumer streaming option for fans who prefer mobile viewing
Reports also indicate Scripps Sports is working with the organization on a dedicated streaming platform, which could give Pistons fans even more flexibility in how they watch games.
Why the Change?
The regional sports network model has faced major financial uncertainty over the last few years, forcing teams across the NBA, NHL, and MLB to explore new distribution options.
For the Pistons, moving to free local television could be about more than just media rights—it could be about reconnecting with the city.
As Detroit continues building around franchise star Cade Cunningham and a young core that has brought playoff basketball back to Little Caesars Arena, making games easier to access could help grow the next generation of Pistons fans.
A Return to Detroit Basketball for Everyone
There’s something fitting about Detroit basketball returning to free local television.
For longtime fans who remember turning on the TV and catching Pistons basketball without hunting through cable packages or streaming logins, this move feels like a return to the roots.
And for a city that lives by “Detroit vs Everybody,” making Pistons basketball available to everybody just feels right.
