The Detroit Pistons are making a major play to reconnect with their fanbase. On Wednesday, the team announced a new local television media rights agreement with Scripps Sports, set to begin with the 2026-27 NBA season. This move marks a significant shift, bringing Pistons basketball back to free, over-the-air television for the first time since 2005—a game-changer for fans across Detroit, metro Detroit, and the entire state of Michigan.
Under the deal, WMYD TV20 Detroit, owned and operated by The E.W. Scripps Company, will become the official local broadcast home of the Pistons. TV20 Detroit will handle production and air all locally available preseason and regular-season games, ensuring fans can catch every dribble, pass, and dunk without a cable subscription.
Pistons owner Tom Gores emphasized that this decision is all about the fans. "Their energy and support have lifted our team and helped fuel our resurgence," Gores said in a statement. "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 partnership goes beyond just game broadcasts. The Pistons and Scripps Sports will deliver comprehensive game-day coverage, including pregame, in-game, and postgame programming. Fans can also look forward to a weekly half-hour show focused on the team, along with original content integrated across Scripps' family of channels—both in broadcasts and digital programming. This means more behind-the-scenes access, player stories, and insider analysis to fuel your Pistons fandom.
Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons, called the partnership an exciting moment for the organization. "Basketball has always been deeply woven into the fabric of our city, and we're proud to expand access to our games. We look forward to partnering with Scripps to deliver outstanding broadcasts and programming that reflects the energy, pride, and passion of Detroit."
For fans who live and breathe Pistons basketball, this is more than just a TV deal—it's a homecoming. Whether you're gearing up for game day in your favorite Pistons gear or following the team's resurgence, this move ensures you won't miss a moment of the action.