The landscape of watching sports on TV is changing in front of our eyes and no one is arguing that those changes won't require some changes to everyone's overall business model. However, the fact remains that Atlanta Braves fans just want to watch the Braves play and now that the Braves have joined the exodus away from FanDuel Sports and Main Street, exactly how to watch games is more unclear than ever.
We have seen disruptions before. The initial bankruptcy of Diamond Sports (who rebranded as Main Street Sports, though that has not fooled anyone) created some uncertainty and then we had the well-publicized dispute with Comcast in 2024 that created some issues watching games early in the season. However, this situation is different and more widespread across the league, so fans are understandably on edge.
However, the one thing Atlanta has going for them that others that terminated their TV agreements don't have is that, by in large, the Braves make money and that could make a new agreement that isn't completely odious more likely.
Braves' lack of a TV home may not last as long as fans may think
We have actually seen this story play out already. When Diamond was trying to terminate almost every single one of the MLB TV agreements, they were content to keep the Braves on the exact same terms. As it turns out, having one of the better and most exciting teams in baseball while also having little in the way of geographic competition is good for business.
That the Braves terminated their deal can certainly indicate that Main Street isn't living up to their current deal, but it is also the smart thing for Atlanta to do. At this rate, Diamond/Main Street is going to have to apply for bankruptcy again and by terminating the deal now, it gives the Braves a lot more options than if they were under contract during court proceedings where their actions would be constrained.
If, for whatever reason, a revised deal isn't possible, the Braves still have plenty of options available. They ARE owned by a huge media conglomerate in Liberty Media after all and in the event of a move to a MLB-controlled broadcast, the demand will be there to make that work. Other teams like the Padres, Angels, and others with smaller fanbases and/or markets could face more revenue uncertainty, but Atlanta will probably be just fine and their actions this offseason show they probably know it.
Whatever solution comes, it is certain to be short-term as MLB wants to have as many team streaming and broadcast rights under their control in the next couple of years. Only when that foot drops and MLB's plans are more flushed out that we will understand how the Braves will get hurt or helped by the seismic changes we are seeing.