The Milwaukee Bucks are broadcasting all 82 regular-season games on free television this year through a partnership with MY24 and statewide affiliates via Rincon Broadcasting Group. Co-owner and governor Wes Edens announced the decision at team media day, noting that reaching more viewers across Wisconsin factored into the ownership group’s business calculus after a disappointing prior season and the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Wes Edens and Ownership Weighing the Free Television Shift
The transition to free over-the-air broadcasts marks the first time in more than 30 years that Bucks games are available at no cost, though fans can also watch via YouTube TV and most cable packages. Team leadership acknowledged the financial impact of departing the previous regional sports network model overseen by Main Street Sports and the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin network. Bucks president Josh Glessing described the pivot as a substantial economic decision in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, declining to specify the exact dollar amount lost in rights fees while confirming the organization has entered the advertising business.
Josh Glessing and Team Executives Addressing Financial Realities
The loss of traditional regional sports network revenue mirrors financial hurdles faced elsewhere in the local sports market, including a reported $20 million surprise announced by Milwaukee Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio in March regarding their own broadcast shift in-house. Despite the revenue gap, Glessing expressed confidence that the over-the-air strategy will expand the fan base over the next year. Tim DeSchriver, an associate professor of sports management at the University of Delaware, noted that the absence of a regional sports network deal may not translate to a devastating financial blow for an NBA franchise, stating that a $20 million adjustment is relatively modest for a team at this level. Fiserv Forum and the adjacent training complex provide a stable capital infrastructure that shields the organization from immediate facility expenditures during the broadcast transition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Milwaukee Television Change
Which channels are broadcasting the Milwaukee Bucks games for free this season?
All 82 regular-season games are available on MY24 and statewide affiliates through a partnership with Rincon Broadcasting Group, as well as on YouTube TV and most standard cable packages.
Why did the Milwaukee Bucks move to free television broadcasts?
The shift occurred after Main Street Sports, which oversaw the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin network, closed its regional-sports network operations, prompting the team to partner with over-the-air broadcasters.
How does the financial impact compare to other local teams?
Bucks president Josh Glessing noted the team experienced a substantial economic shift away from traditional rights fees, while Milwaukee Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio reported a $20 million surprise after bringing their local broadcasts in-house.
Who owns and manages the over-the-air broadcast partnership?
The broadcasts are managed in partnership with Rincon Broadcasting Group, bringing games to free television for the first time in more than 30 years.