St. Louis, Missouri, January 12, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have ended their local broadcast agreement with FanDuel Sports Network following the network’s failure to make timely payments. This decision reflects a larger trend among several Major League Baseball teams facing financial disagreements with broadcasting partners. The termination is impacting local businesses around Busch Stadium, as foot traffic and sales are declining significantly. The team is now focused on rebuilding for the upcoming season while considering new partnership opportunities to enhance revenue and broadcast quality.
St. Louis, Missouri
Cardinals Move on from FanDuel Sports Network
The St. Louis Cardinals have officially terminated their local broadcast agreement with FanDuel Sports Network, which is operated by Main Street Sports Group. This decision was prompted by the network’s failure to make its December payment, and is a part of a broader trend among nine Major League Baseball teams—including the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers—to end similar contracts over financial disagreements. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that the league is ready to take over broadcasts directly, ensuring fans maintain access to games. The MLB has previously stepped in for teams such as the San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins, with additional teams potentially joining this initiative in the near future.
Main Street Sports Group, which rebranded from its former identity as Diamond Sports Group after emerging from bankruptcy in 2023, is currently under scrutiny. While clubs have the option to renegotiate with them, many franchises are actively seeking new opportunities for enhanced revenue and improved broadcast quality. Manfred pointed out the significance of local media, which constitutes over 20% of the industry’s revenue, yet made it clear that no financial assistance would be provided for 2025, in contrast to the discretionary funds available for the preceding year. Interestingly, the announcement coincided with an MLB volunteer initiative benefiting foster care children, marking the league’s contributions in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Impact on Local Businesses
The implications of the Cardinals’ broadcast agreement termination have extended beyond the team, striking local businesses around Busch Stadium. Vendors in the vicinity have reported a staggering drop in sales, with many estimating declines nearing 80% compared to their peak during the season. This downturn is largely attributed to a reduction in foot traffic stemming from decreased attendance at Cardinals games. Notably, taxable sales in the 63102 ZIP code, which includes the stadium area, show a decline of $50 million from the previous year. This marks a notable shift, as it is the first year without an increase in sales since the peak following the pandemic.
Local vendors are making adjustments in response to these challenges, including scaling back product offerings and reducing staff. They express cautious optimism that as fan attendance begins to recover, so too will their businesses.
Team Performance and Management Changes
The Cardinals concluded the 2025 season with a 71–91 record, marking the third consecutive year without making it to the postseason. Despite these struggles, the organization has opted to retain manager Oliver Marmol for the 2026 season. However, changes have occurred within the coaching ranks, as Joe McEwing, a prominent figure in the team’s backend operations, has departed. McEwing, who previously served as the bench coach, has been with the team since the 2008 season.
The Cardinals’ management is now focused on a strategic transition aimed at rebuilding the team and reassessing their future strategies for improvement.
Looking Ahead
As preparations for the 2026 season commence, the Cardinals are prioritizing restructuring and rebuilding efforts. This includes a thorough evaluation of revenue streams and an exploration of potential partnerships to enhance broadcast quality. The organization is also taking a closer look at its current roster and management strategies to better position itself for success in the coming seasons. There is a palpable sense of hope among fans and local businesses alike for a positive turnaround in team performance, attendance, and sales going forward.
FAQ
Why did the St. Louis Cardinals terminate their broadcast agreement with FanDuel Sports Network?
The Cardinals ended their agreement with FanDuel Sports Network after the network failed to make its December payment. This decision is part of a broader move by nine Major League Baseball teams to terminate their contracts with FanDuel due to similar issues.
How has the termination of the broadcast agreement affected local businesses in St. Louis?
Local vendors around Busch Stadium have reported a significant decline in sales, with some estimating a drop of nearly 80% from their peak. This downturn is attributed to decreased foot traffic resulting from lower attendance at Cardinals games.
What changes have been made to the Cardinals’ coaching staff?
The organization has decided to retain manager Oliver Marmol for the 2026 season. However, Joe McEwing, who served as a special assistant to president John Mozeliak, has parted ways with the team. McEwing had previously been the bench coach in 2023 and has been a coach since the 2008 season.
What is the Cardinals’ plan for the 2026 season?
The Cardinals are focusing on restructuring and rebuilding the team, exploring options to enhance revenue streams and improve broadcast quality. The organization is also evaluating its roster and management strategies to position itself for future success.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Termination of Broadcast Agreement | The St. Louis Cardinals have ended their local broadcast agreement with FanDuel Sports Network due to the network’s failure to make its December payment. |
| Impact on Local Businesses | Local vendors around Busch Stadium have reported a significant decline in sales, with some estimating a drop of nearly 80% from their peak, attributed to decreased foot traffic from lower attendance at Cardinals games. |
| Coaching Staff Changes | Despite a third consecutive season without postseason contention, the Cardinals have decided to retain manager Oliver Marmol for the 2026 season. However, Joe McEwing, who served as a special assistant to president John Mozeliak, has parted ways with the team. |
| Plans for 2026 Season | The Cardinals are focusing on restructuring and rebuilding the team, exploring options to enhance revenue streams and improve broadcast quality, and evaluating their roster and management strategies to position themselves for future success. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
