#United States #Detroit #Detroit Pistons #Scripps Sports #WMYD TV20

Detroit Pistons Return to Local Television with Scripps Sports Partnership

The Detroit Pistons have made a significant announcement regarding their broadcasting strategy. As the NBA prepares for the 2026-27 season, the Pistons will enter into a new media rights deal with Scripps Sports, marking a pivotal moment for basketball fans in the Detroit area.

The partnership will see all Pistons preseason and regular season games broadcast locally on WMYD TV20, which is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company. This move signifies the team's return to free, over-the-air television, thus making Pistons games accessible to a wider audience across Detroit, metro Detroit, and the entire state of Michigan.

In a statement, Pistons Owner Tom Gores emphasized the importance of their fan base, saying, “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.” Gores further expressed a desire to involve more people in the “new era of Pistons basketball.”

The agreement with Scripps Sports notably ends a long hiatus for the team, as it is the first shift back to primarily local broadcast television since 2005. As a result, fans will no longer need to subscribe to paid television services to view their local NBA games, a move designed to remove barriers and foster greater fan engagement.

Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Pistons, shared his enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “Basketball has always been deeply woven into the fabric of our city, and we're proud to expand access to our games.” He expressed excitement for the collaboration with Scripps, which aims to deliver high-quality broadcasts capturing the spirit of the team and the community.

Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, reinforced their commitment to enhancing fan experiences, noting, “Over-the-air broadcasting has proven to be one of the most powerful ways to connect sports teams with their fans... every fan deserves to have access to Detroit Pistons games.”

TV20 Detroit will not only broadcast the games but also provide comprehensive coverage through pregame, in-game, and postgame programming. Additionally, there will be a weekly, half-hour show dedicated to the Pistons, ensuring fans receive consistent content around the team. Scripps Sports has expressed the intent to actively engage with its stations across Michigan to broaden the exposure of Pistons basketball, contributing to the overall visibility and community engagement of the franchise.

Looking ahead, both the Pistons and Scripps are working on a direct-to-consumer streaming application, details of which are anticipated to be revealed closer to the start of the season, offering fans yet another avenue to connect with the team.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Detroit Pistons have been a staple of the NBA since their establishment in 1957. With multiple championships and a rich history, the franchise has seen highs including three NBA Championships and numerous playoff appearances. In 2019, the team opened the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, further solidifying their commitment to the community and enhancing the team's operational capabilities.

As the future unfolds, this new partnership with Scripps Sports is set to deliver a revitalized broadcast presence for the Pistons, ensuring that fans remain integral to the home team's journey and success.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Detroit Pistons and Scripps Sports marks an exciting development in local sports broadcasting, promising to strengthen community ties and enhance the fan experience as they navigate a new chapter in Team at Little Caesars Arena and beyond.