According to ESPN, the Texas Rangers are making big changes to how their games are broadcast, and fans across their five-state television territory will have more ways than ever to watch the team. With the introduction of the Rangers Sports Network and partnerships with traditional cable providers, the franchise is ensuring that supporters from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of New Mexico can follow every pitch, home run, and diving catch with ease. The shift comes after years of challenges with previous broadcasting agreements that left many fans frustrated over accessibility issues.
For years, Rangers games were carried by Bally Sports Southwest, part of Diamond Sports Group, but with the ongoing financial troubles of the regional sports network model, the Rangers sought a new path forward. The decision to launch their own Rangers Sports Network is a bold step in taking control of their media distribution, allowing them to tailor coverage to their fan base rather than being at the mercy of a struggling third-party broadcaster. Other teams, such as the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, have also made similar moves, shifting away from Diamond Sports Group after the company faced bankruptcy issues.
The Rangers Sports Network will be the exclusive home for most local broadcasts, ensuring consistency in production and availability. Fans who have long struggled with blackout restrictions and limited provider options will now have more choices. To maximize distribution, the Rangers have secured agreements with traditional cable providers, including DirecTV, U-Verse, and Spectrum. These partnerships ensure that fans who still rely on cable packages can access Rangers games without disruption. Unlike in previous years when availability varied depending on location and provider negotiations, this new model is designed to provide uniform access across the entire broadcast territory.
In a move that will be particularly exciting for older fans who remember the days of free broadcasts, the Rangers are bringing back over-the-air (OTA) games. Starting in 2025, 15 games will be available on local OTA stations, marking the first time since 2014 that fans can watch select Rangers games without needing a cable or streaming subscription. These games will air on channels like KDAF CW33 in Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as regional affiliates owned by Nexstar Media Group and Gray Media in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. This decision ensures that casual fans, younger viewers, and those without paid TV subscriptions still have opportunities to engage with the team throughout the season.
The digital streaming landscape is also evolving for the Rangers. Recognizing that more fans are cutting the cord and relying on digital streaming services, the team has launched a direct-to-consumer streaming option through Victory+, a platform developed by A Parent Media Co. Inc. For a $100 full-season subscription, fans in the Rangers’ television territory will be able to stream every local broadcast without needing a traditional cable package. This move aligns with the trend seen across Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly offering direct streaming options to ensure accessibility for younger and tech-savvy audiences.
One of the biggest complaints in past seasons was the inability of some fans within the Rangers’ designated market to actually watch the games. Due to previous carrier disputes, thousands of households were left without access, leading to frustration and even resentment toward the team and MLB’s restrictive blackout policies. By creating a new network with multiple distribution methods, the Rangers are actively addressing those issues. Fans who subscribe to traditional cable, prefer free over-the-air broadcasts, or rely on streaming now all have a way to follow the team without the headaches that plagued previous seasons.
This broadcasting overhaul comes at a time when MLB teams are re-evaluating their television deals in response to the changing media landscape. The decline of traditional regional sports networks, increasing cord-cutting trends, and growing demand for direct-to-consumer options have forced teams to rethink their approaches. The Rangers’ decision to establish their own network puts them at the forefront of this transition, giving them full control over their brand, production quality, and revenue distribution.
Comparing this model to other teams, the Padres were one of the first clubs to move away from Diamond Sports Group, striking a deal with MLB to take over broadcasts and distribute them through cable, streaming, and OTA channels. The Arizona Diamondbacks followed a similar path, prioritizing accessibility through expanded partnerships. The Rangers are following suit but with a more comprehensive approach that includes all three major distribution methods from the outset: cable, OTA, and streaming.
Fan reactions to the Rangers’ new broadcasting plan have been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans in North Texas have voiced their excitement about the return of free TV broadcasts, a nostalgic callback to when Rangers games were easily accessible to everyone. Cord-cutters have praised the direct-to-consumer streaming option, especially given its affordable price point compared to full cable packages. Even traditional cable subscribers appreciate the increased provider agreements, ensuring that fewer fans are left out of coverage due to corporate disputes.
The success of this new model will be closely watched across MLB. If the Rangers see increased viewership, fan engagement, and revenue stability, other teams may be encouraged to follow suit. Given the uncertainty surrounding regional sports networks, teams that take control of their own broadcasts may find themselves better positioned for the future of sports media. The combination of cable partnerships, free broadcasts, and streaming accessibility could serve as a blueprint for other clubs navigating similar challenges.
While the transition will require some adjustments, the Rangers are confident that this approach will ultimately benefit their fans and the organization as a whole. The team has invested heavily in production quality, ensuring that broadcasts on the Rangers Sports Network meet or exceed the standards set by previous rights holders. Analysts and commentators with deep connections to the franchise are expected to be part of the broadcast team, further enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
Another potential benefit of this new broadcasting model is increased revenue opportunities for the Rangers. By directly managing their network, the team gains more control over advertising revenue, sponsorship deals, and digital engagement. Rather than relying on a third-party broadcaster to handle negotiations, the Rangers can work directly with local and national advertisers to maximize exposure and financial returns. This could provide a long-term financial boost for the team, helping them invest in player development, stadium improvements, and fan engagement initiatives.
Here’s the thing folks: While challenges still remain the shift to a new network means that some fans may initially struggle with the transition, particularly those unfamiliar with streaming services or new channel placements. The team will need to ensure clear communication about how to access games and provide technical support for those experiencing difficulties. Additionally, while the Victory+ streaming service is competitively priced, some fans may still be hesitant to pay for an additional subscription, especially if they are already paying for multiple streaming services.
With that… the Texas Rangers’ broadcasting changes mark an exciting new chapter for the franchise and its fan base. By embracing a multi-platform approach that includes cable, free over-the-air broadcasts, and a direct-to-consumer streaming service, the team is prioritizing accessibility and fan engagement. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the Rangers are positioning themselves as leaders in sports broadcasting innovation, ensuring that their fans never miss a moment of the action.
If you cannot play for them, then root for them!