The Detroit PistonsTeam·Detroit Pistons are set to significantly expand their reach, announcing a comprehensive deal with Scripps Sports to broadcast all locally available preseason and regular-season games over-the-air on WMYD TV20 Detroit, commencing with the 2026-27 NBA season. This strategic move marks the Pistons' return to a primarily local broadcast television home for the first time since 2005, aiming to make games accessible to more fans without requiring a paid subscription.
Pistons Owner Tom Gores emphasized the fan-centric nature of the agreement. "This move is for our fans. It's a new era of Pistons basketball and we want to make sure that more people in Detroit and throughout Michigan can be part of the journey," Gores stated, highlighting the organization's commitment to broader community engagement.
The full agreement for the 2026-27 season follows an interim arrangement during the recently concluded 2025-26 season. The Pistons partnered with Scripps Sports and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit to simulcast five of their remaining regular-season games free over the air on WMYD-TV, providing a preview of the expanded accessibility.
This broadcast shift comes amidst a dynamic local television landscape across the NBA. The league had previously informed 13 teams, including the Pistons, that they were free to explore new local broadcast deals beyond their existing arrangements with FanDuel Sports Network. The Pistons are the first team from this group to formally announce a new home for their games, setting a precedent for other franchises.
The timing of this deal aligns with a period of notable success for the franchise. The Pistons concluded the 2025-26 season with an impressive 60-22 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern ConferenceCompetition·Eastern Conference and winning the Central DivisionCompetition·Central Division title for the first time since 2008. They also overcame a 3-1 deficit in the first round of the playoffs to eliminate the Orlando MagicTeam·Orlando Magic, marking their first playoff series win since 2008. This renewed on-court success, coupled with increased broadcast accessibility, positions the team for enhanced fan engagement across Michigan.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles upcourt at the Kia Center. Photo by Marty Jean Louis/IMAGO
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