Detroit Sports Network is not currently available on YouTube TV
Detroit Sports Network (also called Bally Sports Detroit) is not carried by YouTube TV as of now. If you want to watch Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, or Lions games that air on this channel, you will need to use a different streaming service or cable provider.
The availability of regional sports networks has shifted significantly over the past few years. Many cable and streaming services have dropped these channels due to high licensing costs, so the landscape changes regularly. Before you commit to any service, check the current channel lineup on that provider's website, since what is available today may not be available next month.
Key Takeaways
- Detroit Sports Network does not appear in YouTube TV's channel lineup and is not part of any YouTube TV package.
- Bally Sports+ is a direct streaming option owned by the same company that operates Detroit Sports Network, though it requires a separate subscription.
- Cable providers like Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum still carry Detroit Sports Network in some areas, but availability depends on your location and package.
- Local games sometimes air on broadcast channels like Fox or CBS, which are included in YouTube TV, so checking the game schedule first can save you money.
Where to watch Detroit Sports Network games instead
Bally Sports+ is the direct streaming option for Detroit Sports Network content. This is a separate subscription service from YouTube TV, and you pay for it independently. It carries most Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, and Lions games that air on the regional network.
If you have a cable subscription through Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, or another provider that carries Detroit Sports Network, you can often stream those games through the provider's app or website using your cable login. Check your cable bill or log into your provider's account to see whether Detroit Sports Network is part of your package, since availability varies by location and plan.
Some Detroit games air on national broadcast networks instead — Fox, CBS, and NBC — which are all included in YouTube TV. If a game is scheduled for one of these channels, you can watch it through your YouTube TV subscription without needing anything else. Check the team's official schedule before the game to see which channel will carry it.
Why regional sports networks disappeared from streaming services
Regional sports networks like Detroit Sports Network charge high fees to streaming services for the right to show games. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other services decided the cost was too high compared to the number of subscribers who actually watch these channels. As a result, most major streaming services dropped regional sports networks between 2021 and 2023.
The networks responded by launching their own streaming apps — Bally Sports+ in this case — so fans can still watch without cable. This means you now have a choice: pay for cable that includes the channel, pay for the network's standalone app, or watch games that air on national channels through your existing YouTube TV subscription.
Checking YouTube TV's current channel list
YouTube TV updates its channel lineup periodically, so it is worth checking the official list to confirm what is available in your area. Go to YouTube TV's website, select your zip code, and view the full channel guide. This shows you exactly which channels are included in your region.
You can also contact YouTube TV's support team through the app or website if you have questions about a specific channel. They can tell you whether Detroit Sports Network will be added in the future, though they typically cannot predict when or if that will happen.
Using YouTube TV alongside other services
Many people subscribe to YouTube TV for general cable channels and sports that air nationally, then add Bally Sports+ or keep a cable subscription specifically for regional games. This approach costs more than a single service, but it gives you access to all the games you want to watch.
If you go this route, make sure you understand what each service covers before you sign up. YouTube TV includes national sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, so you will get most major league games. Bally Sports+ fills in the local Detroit games that do not air nationally. Cable providers offer both, but at a higher monthly cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Detroit Tigers games on YouTube TV?
Some Tigers games air on national channels like Fox or ESPN, which are on YouTube TV. Games that air exclusively on Detroit Sports Network are not available through YouTube TV. Check the team's schedule to see which channel will broadcast each game.
Does Bally Sports+ cost extra if I already have YouTube TV?
Yes, Bally Sports+ is a separate subscription. YouTube TV and Bally Sports+ do not bundle together, so you would pay for both services independently if you want both.
Will Detroit Sports Network ever come back to YouTube TV?
It is possible, but there is no announced plan to add it. YouTube TV would need to reach a new licensing agreement with the network, and the cost would likely be passed to all subscribers. Check YouTube TV's channel updates periodically to see if this changes.
What if I have cable — can I stream Detroit Sports Network through my provider?
If your cable package includes Detroit Sports Network, you can usually stream it through your provider's app or website using your cable login. Log into your provider's account online or call their support line to confirm the channel is part of your plan.
Are there free ways to watch Detroit sports games?
Some games air on broadcast channels like Fox or CBS, which you can watch free with an antenna or through YouTube TV. Local radio broadcasts are also free. Most games that air on Detroit Sports Network require a paid subscription to watch.