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The Atlanta Braves are kicking off the 2026 season with a meaningful community initiative, launching the first Braves Home Plate Project presented by Chick-fil-A of the year. This ongoing program, led by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, continues its mission to combat food insecurity and promote food sovereignty throughout Braves Country.
In partnership with Chick-fil-A, Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, Urban Recipe, and Concrete Jungle, the Braves hosted a community food distribution event at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, located at 2067 Columbia Drive in Decatur, DeKalb County.
Braves Launch Food Initiative in Metro Atlanta
The event provided essential resources to 300 households, offering a variety of quality food items completely free of charge and open to all neighbors in need.
Families received:
- Fresh produce sourced from local farms
- Boxes of frozen food and protein
- Hot Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches and chips
The distribution reflects the collaborative spirit of the Home Plate Project, which brings together local organizations, volunteers, and corporate partners to address hunger in Metro Atlanta’s diverse communities.
A Legacy of Support Since 2020
The Braves Home Plate Project first launched in April 2020 in response to heightened food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially partnering with Braves concessionaire Delaware North. Since then, it has grown into a staple community effort.
In 2025 alone, the program—presented by Chick-fil-A and supported by dedicated community partners—distributed more than 80,000 pounds of food resources across eight events, reaching an estimated 2,189 households in need.
Braves front office staff, gameday personnel, and volunteers regularly participate in these distributions, helping deliver not just food but also a sense of community support.
As the 2026 baseball season gets underway, the Atlanta Braves remain committed to stepping up beyond the diamond.
Initiatives like the Home Plate Project demonstrate how the organization is working to make a lasting impact on families facing food challenges across Metro Atlanta.
Neighbors interested in future distributions or ways to get involved can visit the Atlanta Braves community page at mlb.com/braves/community for updates.
The Braves Foundation encourages all eligible residents to take advantage of these no-cost resources whenever available. Together, we’re building a stronger, more nourished Braves Country—one plate at a time.
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In the ever-evolving world of sports broadcasting, several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have taken control of their destinies by establishing or partnering in their own regional sports networks (RSNs).
These team-owned or partially owned channels not only broadcast regular-season games but also provide exclusive content, analysis, and behind-the-scenes access, enhancing fan engagement while securing lucrative revenue streams.
MLB Teams Leave Regional Sports Networks? Braves, Your Play
As a hub for sports in the Southeast, Atlanta has a keen interest in this trend, especially with the Atlanta Braves navigating recent upheavals in the RSN market.
Here’s a breakdown of the MLB teams leading the charge with their own TV channels, along with insights into the Braves’ future.
The Rise of Team-Owned Networks
The shift toward team-controlled broadcasting has accelerated in recent years, driven by the instability of traditional RSN operators like FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports).
Financial troubles, including bankruptcies and missed payments, have prompted teams to seek more stable, profitable alternatives. According to industry reports, local media accounts for over 20% of MLB’s overall revenue, making these networks critical for team finances.
Teams with ownership stakes in their RSNs can better control distribution, negotiate carriage deals, and explore direct-to-consumer streaming options. This model was pioneered by powerhouses like the New York Yankees and has been adopted by others seeking independence from third-party broadcasters.
Key MLB Teams with Their Own TV Channels
Here’s a list of prominent MLB teams that own or partially own dedicated RSNs broadcasting their games. These networks often feature pre- and post-game shows, documentaries, and other team-specific programming.
- Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox broadcast on NESN (New England Sports Network), fully owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the team. NESN reaches millions in the New England region and has been a staple since 1984.
- New York Yankees: Games air on the YES Network, majority-owned by Yankee Global Enterprises (the team’s parent company). Launched in 2002, YES has become one of the most valuable RSNs, generating significant revenue through high subscriber fees.
- New York Mets: SNY (SportsNet New York) is majority-owned by the Mets’ ownership group. Since 2006, it has provided comprehensive coverage, including Mets games and related content, serving the tri-state area.
- Toronto Blue Jays: Sportsnet, owned by Rogers Communications (which also owns the Blue Jays), handles national and regional broadcasts. This integrated model allows seamless coverage across Canada.
- Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles control MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network), which they own outright following disputes with the Washington Nationals. MASN broadcasts Orioles games to fans in the mid-Atlantic region.
- Chicago Cubs: Marquee Sports Network, launched in 2020, is 50% owned by the Cubs with the other half held by Sinclair Broadcast Group. It offers exclusive Cubs content and has expanded into streaming.
- Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are part of Chicago Sports Network, a joint venture with the NBA’s Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks. This collaborative RSN debuted in 2024 and focuses on Chicago-based teams.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Spectrum SportsNet LA is wholly owned by the Dodgers through American Media Productions. Since 2014, it has been the exclusive home for Dodgers games in Southern California. en.wikipedia.org
- Houston Astros: Space City Home Network is a joint venture between the Astros and the NBA’s Rockets. Launched in 2023, it provides local coverage for both teams in the Houston area.
- Texas Rangers: The Rangers operate Victory+, a streaming-first platform under Rangers Sports Network. Introduced in 2024, it’s a direct-to-consumer service that bypasses traditional cable for greater accessibility.
- Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies hold a 25% stake in NBC Sports Philadelphia, which broadcasts their games alongside other local teams. This partial ownership gives them influence over content and revenue.
- San Francisco Giants: With a 30% ownership in NBC Sports Bay Area, the Giants have a say in their broadcasts, which share the network with the NBA’s Warriors.
Other teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates (on SportsNet Pittsburgh, owned by Fenway Sports Group via the Penguins), benefit from shared networks but lack direct ownership.
The Atlanta Braves’ Path Forward
Closer to home, the Atlanta Braves have been caught in the crossfire of FanDuel Sports Network’s financial woes.
On February 2, 2026, six MLB teams—the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Tampa Bay Rays—announced they would partner with MLB for game production and distribution starting this season, leaving FanDuel after missed rights payments.
The Braves, along with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, terminated their deals but have not joined MLB’s in-house media unit.
Instead, the Braves appear poised to launch their own broadcasting venture. In a statement released on Monday, Feb. 2, the team noted they “have been actively preparing for this outcome and are well on our way towards launching a new era in Braves broadcasting.”
Industry sources suggest this could involve a team-owned RSN or a hybrid streaming model similar to the Rangers’ Victory+, potentially increasing accessibility for fans in Georgia and beyond.
This move aligns with the broader trend: as RSN giants falter, teams like the Braves are seizing opportunities to control their narratives and revenues. For Braves fans, it could mean more innovative viewing options, from enhanced apps to exclusive content, without the blackouts that plagued FanDuel.
The Bigger Picture for MLB and Fans
Team-owned networks represent a double-edged sword. They empower clubs financially but can lead to higher costs for viewers if carriage disputes arise. However, with MLB stepping in for 13 teams this season (including recent additions like the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners), the league is pushing toward a more unified, fan-friendly model.
As the 2026 season approaches, Atlanta sports enthusiasts will be watching closely.
If the Braves successfully debut their own channel, it could solidify their status as innovators in the Southeast sports scene. Stay tuned to Atlanta Sports Insider for updates on Braves broadcasting and all things MLB.
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The Atlanta Braves have turned to a familiar face to lead the team into its next chapter, announcing Monday that bench coach Walt Weiss has been named the club’s new manager.
The promotion comes just weeks after Brian Snitker, the architect of the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship, stepped down following a disappointing 76-86 season that marked the team’s first losing record since 2017.
Atlanta Braves Name Weiss As Manager
Weiss, 61, has been Snitker’s right-hand man since joining the Braves as bench coach in 2018. During that span, Atlanta compiled a 618-513 record, captured six consecutive NL East titles from 2018 to 2023, and hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy in 2021 after a thrilling postseason run.
The move keeps the Braves’ managerial lineage intact: Weiss becomes just the fourth skipper since Hall of Famer Bobby Cox took the reins in 1990, following Cox, Fredi Gonzalez, and Snitker.
“We are thrilled to name Walt Weiss as our manager,” said Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos in a statement. “Walt’s deep knowledge of our organization, his leadership during our championship season, and his experience as a player and coach make him the ideal choice to guide this talented group forward.”
A former shortstop who played 14 MLB seasons, Weiss spent the final three years of his career (1998-2000) with the Braves, earning All-Star honors in 1998 while batting .257 under Cox.
He won a World Series with the Oakland Athletics in 1989 and was named NL Rookie of the Year in 1988. After retiring, Weiss managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, posting a 283-365 record in a challenging Coors Field environment.
The decision ends weeks of speculation that had linked the Braves to external candidates, including Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann and even college standout Tony Vitello.
Instead, Anthopoulos opted for continuity, echoing the internal promotions that elevated Snitker from interim manager in 2016 to a beloved franchise icon.
“Weiss has been instrumental in our success,” Anthopoulos added. “He’s earned the respect of our players and staff, and we’re confident he’ll build on the foundation Brian laid.”
Snitker, who turned 70 last month, announced his retirement in early October and transitions to a senior advisory role.
His nine full seasons at the helm produced 811 wins, seven playoff appearances, and that elusive 2021 title — Atlanta’s first since 1995.
For Weiss, the task ahead is rebuilding a roster plagued by injuries in 2025. Stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley missed significant time, contributing to a fourth-place finish in the NL East.
Despite the struggles, the Braves rallied to a 30-24 mark in the season’s final two months, hinting at the core’s potential.“We have the talent to compete at the highest level,” Weiss said in his introductory remarks at Truist Park. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of legends like Bobby and Brian. This is about ‘The Braves Way’ — playing hard, staying together, and winning for Atlanta.”
Fans reacted with a mix of optimism and calls for boldness on social media, with many praising the hire’s stability while others hoped for fresh ideas. “Continuity is real. ‘The Braves Way’ is real,” one supporter posted, echoing sentiments from the organization’s official announcement.
Weiss’s staff is expected to feature returning faces, potentially including third-base coach Ron Washington, who rejoined mid-2025.
Offseason priorities include bolstering the rotation and infield, with free agents and trades on the horizon.
Final Word
As the Braves eye Spring Training in North Port, Florida, Weiss’s era begins with a proven winner at the helm. For a fanbase hungry for October returns, the message is clear: Trust the process that delivered magic in 2021.
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The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season came to a disappointing close on September 12, as an 11-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Truist Park sealed the team’s first losing season since 2017.
With a final record below .500, the Braves missed the playoffs, dashing hopes for a postseason run and leaving fans and analysts reflecting on a challenging year for the storied franchise.
The decisive game against the Astros highlighted ongoing struggles, with rookie pitcher Hurston Waldrep taking the mound but faltering early. The Astros capitalized on defensive miscues and inconsistent pitching, building an insurmountable lead by the fifth inning.
Despite a late rally, including a solo home run from designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, the Braves couldn’t close the gap. The loss encapsulated a season plagued by injuries, roster inconsistencies, and missed opportunities.
“It’s tough to end like this,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker in a post-game press conference. “We had high expectations, but injuries hit us hard, and we didn’t execute consistently. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
The Braves’ 2025 campaign began with optimism after a strong 2024 season, but key injuries to star players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider sidelined much of the team’s firepower. The bullpen, a strength in previous years, struggled with blown saves, while the offense failed to deliver in clutch moments.
Fans at Truist Park remained vocal, filling the stands with tomahawk chops, but the energy couldn’t translate into wins.Social media buzzed with reactions, with some fans pointing to controversial front-office decisions, including midseason trades that failed to spark the lineup.
Some fans shared on social media that it was time for a roster overhaul. Others praised the resilience of younger players like Waldrep and outfielder Michael Harris II, who showed flashes of brilliance despite the team’s woes.
The Braves’ struggles stand in contrast to Atlanta’s vibrant sports scene, with Georgia Tech’s recent football upset over Clemson electrifying the city. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are generating early-season buzz, leaving baseball fans hopeful for a brighter sports future. As the Braves head into the offseason, general manager Alex Anthopoulos faces pressure to rebuild around core talent and address gaps in pitching and depth.
For now, Braves Country is left to regroup, with tailgates and watch-the-Braves parties already giving way to offseason speculation.
“We’ve been through tough seasons before,” said lifelong fan Maria Thompson outside Truist Park. “This team’s got heart, and we’ll be back.”The Braves’ focus now shifts to the 2026 season, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the franchise rebounds from this rare stumble in an otherwise dominant era.
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Spencer Strider has been added to the Atlanta Braves starting rotation and looks the part against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
About Spencer Strider: Braves Star Pitcher
But who is Spencer Strider? Well, for starters, he is a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 26, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Strider played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers before being selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
High School and College Career
Spencer Strider attended Christian Academy of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, for high school. During his time there, he played both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities.
For college, Strider played for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University in South Carolina. He pitched for Clemson’s baseball team for three seasons (2018–2020), where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.
Although his college career was affected by injuries, he showed great promise and was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Pro Baseball Career
Strider is known for his strong fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating slider. He made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his impressive strikeout ability. He became a key part of the Braves’ pitching staff, contributing significantly to their rotation and bullpen.
In 2022, Strider had a breakout season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, largely due to his exceptional strikeout numbers and effectiveness on the mound. He’s often praised for his poise, work ethic, and the dominance he brings as a pitcher. His rise has been one of the more exciting stories in recent MLB seasons.
