Full Breakdown
Detroit Pistons Return to Free Over-the-Air TV in Multi-Year Deal with Scripps Sports
5/14/2026, 6:28:38 AM
Return to Free Over-the-Air TV
The Detroit Pistons signed a multi-year local media deal with Scripps Sports beginning in the 2026-27 NBA season. WMYD-TV20 Detroit, owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, will be the official broadcast home, restoring free, over-the-air coverage for fans across Detroit, metro Detroit and all of Michigan—the first such arrangement since 2005.
Background
The Pistons were among 13 NBA teams seeking a new partner after Main Street Sports shut down. The agreement makes Detroit the first NBA franchise to partner with Scripps, which already handles local rights for five NHL teams, a WNBA club and a National Women’s Soccer League team. When the deal was announced, the Pistons were the Eastern Conference’s top seed and were playing a conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Key Participants
Owner Tom Gores, vice chairman Arn Tellem, Scripps Sports president Brian Lawlor, and WXYZ/TV20 general manager Mike Murri will oversee the broadcast, while Scripps will use its stations in Grand Rapids and Lansing to broaden statewide reach.
Data & Reach
The network will deliver pre-game, in-game and post-game coverage, a weekly half-hour Pistons show, and original team content across broadcast and digital platforms. A direct-to-consumer streaming app is also planned.
Official Statements
Gores said the deal rewards fans whose energy has driven the team’s resurgence. Tellem highlighted basketball’s deep roots in Detroit and the value of expanded access. Lawlor called over-the-air broadcasting a powerful way to connect teams and fans. Murri described the partnership as an honor that strengthens community ties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This move is for our fans. They have been huge all season and throughout this playoff run. Their energy and support have lifted our team and helped fuel our resurgence,” — Tom Gores, Owner, Detroit Pistons
- “Basketball has always been deeply woven into the fabric of our city, and we’re proud to expand access to our games.” — Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Detroit Pistons
- “Over-the-air broadcasting has proven to be one of the most powerful ways to connect sports teams with their fans,” — Brian Lawlor, President, Scripps Sports
- “TV20 Detroit is honored to be the official new TV home of the Detroit Pistons,” — Mike Murri, Regional Vice President & General Manager, WXYZ/TV20 Detroit
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the partnership details; no contradictions were found. Pricing, launch date and channel specifics for the streaming service have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
Scripps will roll out its Michigan station network in the coming months, and the Pistons will announce further streaming details later this year. The arrangement is expected to boost statewide viewership and provide free access to games for a larger audience.
