The Detroit Pistons are making a major move to bring their games back to local TV—and best of all, it's free for fans. In a deal announced Wednesday, the team has partnered with Scripps Sports to broadcast the 2026-27 season on WMYD-TV (Channel 20 in Detroit), marking the first time since 2005 that the Pistons will air their games over the air.
This is a game-changer for Pistons fans across Michigan. Starting with the 2026 preseason and continuing through the regular season, every game will be available on free local TV, with a streaming solution to be announced later. The shift comes as the team rides a wave of momentum, fueled by an energized fanbase and a playoff run that's reignited the Motor City's basketball spirit.
"This move is for our fans," said Pistons owner Tom Gores. "They have been huge all season and throughout this playoff run. Their energy and support have lifted our team and helped fuel our resurgence. 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."
The Pistons will now be the only Detroit pro team broadcasting games over the air. For context, the Tigers recently launched Detroit SportsNet—a new regional network owned by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment—after FanDuel Sports Detroit dissolved. The Red Wings will join Detroit SportsNet this fall. That service costs $19.99 per month or $189.99 per year for streaming, with games also on cable and satellite. The Pistons, however, are taking a fan-first approach by keeping their games accessible to everyone.
Beyond the games themselves, the Pistons and Scripps Sports are planning a full gameday experience. Expect comprehensive pregame, in-game, and postgame coverage, plus a weekly half-hour Pistons show and additional digital content. It's all designed to bring fans closer to the action, whether they're watching from home or on the go.
And for longtime Pistons fans, there's some welcome continuity. Legendary play-by-play announcer George Blaha—who just completed his 50th season with the team and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September—along with analyst Greg Kelser, are expected to make the transition to the new broadcast partner. Their voices have been synonymous with Pistons basketball for decades, and they'll continue to call the action as the team enters this exciting new chapter.
With free over-the-air broadcasts, a renewed roster, and a city rallying behind them, the Pistons are making it easier than ever for fans to suit up and cheer. Whether you're in Detroit or across Michigan, you won't want to miss a minute of the action.