FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin is a prominent American regional sports network (RSN)—a cable channel focused on local professional and collegiate sports—owned by Main Street Sports Group. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the network serves as a vital hub for sports fans across the Upper Midwest, providing extensive coverage of the region's most beloved teams.
The network's reach extends beyond the borders of Wisconsin, broadcasting to eastern Minnesota, the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northwestern Illinois, and Iowa. It is also available to a national audience via DirecTV satellite services.
Key Facts
- Current Owner: Main Street Sports Group (formerly Diamond Sports Group).
- Primary Focus: Professional sports in Milwaukee, specifically the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA).
- Reach: Over 1.7 million homes.
- Annual Output: Approximately 2,600 hours of locally produced programming.
- Technical Formats: Available in 720p High Definition (HDTV) and 480i Standard Definition (SDTV).
Evolution and History
From Early Efforts to FSN North
The journey to a dedicated Wisconsin sports channel began with early, fragmented attempts like Sportsvue in 1984, which struggled due to limited cable infrastructure. Eventually, the Wisconsin Sports Network emerged, owned by Time Warner Cable and Group W, before being absorbed by the Minneapolis-based Midwest Sports Channel (MSC) in 1996. By the fall of 1996, MSC became an affiliate of Fox Sports Net, and by 2001, the region was served by a Wisconsin-specific sub-feed of FSN North.
The Launch of a Dedicated Channel
On April 1, 2007, the network officially transitioned from a sub-feed to its own standalone entity: FSN Wisconsin. This launch coincided with the start of the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers season, immediately establishing the network as the primary home for the Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Over the next two decades, the network underwent several high-profile rebranding phases reflecting changes in corporate ownership:
- Fox Sports Wisconsin (2012–2021): Part of a national rebranding of Fox Sports Networks.
- Bally Sports Wisconsin (2021–2024): Following the acquisition by Sinclair Broadcast Group and a naming rights deal with Bally's Corporation.
- FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (2024–Present): Rebranded on October 21, 2024, following a sponsorship agreement with FanDuel.
Recent Transitions and Rights Shifts
The network's stability was tested when its parent company, Diamond Sports, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in March 2023. This period saw significant shifts in media rights. While the Milwaukee Brewers briefly considered moving their rights in-house via MLB Local Media in 2024, they ultimately renewed their contract with the network for the 2025 season, adding distribution via Amazon Prime Video Channels.
However, the era of the RSN partnership eventually reached its conclusion. On February 2, 2026, the Milwaukee Brewers announced they would leave FanDuel Sports Network, with MLB taking over the production and distribution of Brewers games starting in the 2026 season.
Programming and Services
Core Sports Coverage
The network has historically held the regional cable rights for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers. Additionally, it has simulcast NHL games from the Minnesota Wild and Major League Soccer matches from Minnesota United FC. Beyond professional leagues, the network has provided coverage for:
- University of Wisconsin athletic events.
- Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) high school sports.
- NCAA competitions from the Big Ten, Big East, and Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
- Select programming from FanDuel TV.
Specialized Feeds
To manage scheduling conflicts—particularly when the NBA and MLB seasons overlap—the network operates FanDuel Sports Network Extra. This overflow feed ensures that fans do not miss games when two major events occur simultaneously. For example, if a Brewers game is on the main channel, a Bucks game may be shifted to the Extra feed.
Network Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Ownership | Main Street Sports Group |
| Broadcast Area | WI, Eastern MN, Western MI (UP), NW IL, IA |
| Key Teams | Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers (until 2026) |
| Launch Date | April 1, 2007 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Bally Sports Wisconsin?
Bally Sports Wisconsin was rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin on October 21, 2024, as part of a new sponsorship agreement between Diamond Sports Group and FanDuel.
Are the Milwaukee Brewers still on the network?
The Brewers remained on the network through the 2025 season; however, they announced they would officially leave the network starting with the 2026 MLB season, with MLB taking over distribution.
What is FanDuel Sports Network Extra?
It is an overflow channel used to broadcast games that conflict with the main schedule, allowing the network to air multiple live sporting events simultaneously.
How can I stream FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin?
Content is available via the FanDuel Sports Network app and website for U.S. cable internet subscribers with a participating provider login, as well as through DirecTV Stream.
Who owns the network now?
The network is owned by Main Street Sports Group, which previously operated as Diamond Sports Group.