Today, October 14th, 2025, Phil Castellini via MLB and FanDuel Sports Network announced that the Cincinnati Reds viewership seen close to record levels on TV. So what exactly does that mean for the team’s state headed into 2026 when it comes to payroll? Let’s dig into it. Subscribe to our mailing list using the popup below! Add us to your ‘trusted source’ in google as well!
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FanDuel Cincinnati Reds Network Big Levels
Per this press release citing Phil Castellini comments, the Cincinnati Reds averaged a 21% increase in viewership per game from 2024, totaling 132,800 viewers each game. Average streamers per game increased by 278%, and total streaming minutes (361 million) grew by 347%. Viewers also spent more time with each game stream, averaging 86.5 minutes per game, up 13% from 2024. In total, the network’s Reds game coverage had approximately 137,000 unique streamers, a 146% increase, indicating rising engagement with the product.
Reds’ COO Phil Castellini also issued this statement regarding these great numbers:
“We are so grateful to our fans for this significant increase in viewership across all platforms on FanDuel Sports Network as they followed this exciting Reds team led by Terry Francona,” said Phil Castellini, Reds President & Chief Executive Officer. “The expanded streaming options made available to fans living in parts of eight states, in addition to the loyal fans tuning in through traditional platforms, made our partnership with FanDuel even stronger by reaching more viewers.”
What Does This Mean For Reds Payroll?
As you all know by now, it’s well documented the Cincinnati Reds financial plans when it comes to payroll always rely strictly on revenue. This news of viewership being up so much, and more importantly, the new DTC (Direct to Consumer) model working, likely will mean that vacant contract for the Cincinnati Reds TV rights will be filled, and perhaps filled quickly.
The Reds are part of a 15 team FanDuel TV Network, owned by Main Street Sports Group, and many of these networks had great results. This will give Main Street the confidence to invest in baseball teams going further, and Reds COO Doug Nealy will have some leverage with these great results for our hometown team. There are some looming issues, however, including the expiration of the current CBA, and most think baseball may be headed for a lockout again…
Payroll Over The Years
The Reds have not gone above $140,000,000 in payroll since Dick Williams, whose family owns the majority of the Reds, departed to be the CEO of Skyline. I’ll be honest: I want everyone to temper their expectations when it comes to payroll for 2026, although we all know that the ownership group has to support the cast monetarily. The Reds brass simply don’t invest in the team enough to be excited.
The Reds will have their budgeting completed by the end of October and Nick Krall will be given the blueprint. As it stands right now, the Reds STILL do not have a longterm TV Deal, some of which they’re seeking this year. These numbers are a great start. Castellini & Healy need to be pitching to everybody how ready this fanbase is to support a winning Reds team and go ALL IN.
