The Detroit Pistons are enjoying their best season in nearly two decades, and while they prepare for Game 5 of their second-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced major news for the future.
In a Pistons press release, the Michigan NBA franchise announced that they had signed a new television rights deal to make games for the 2026-27 season and onward free on local Detroit TV.
The Pistons haven’t been on local broadcast television since 2005, but after announcing the change, Detroit basketball will now be free to watch for its local fans moving forward.
Detroit Pistons Announce New TV Deal
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 03: Owner Tom Gores of the Detroit Pistons reacts prior to Game Seven against the Orlando Magic in the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.
In an official statement, the Pistons announced their television and streaming move for the next NBA season.
“The Detroit Pistons announced today a new local media television rights agreement with Scripps Sports beginning with the 2026‑27 NBA season,” the team wrote. “The move returns Pistons basketball to free, over‑the‑air television for fans throughout Detroit, metro Detroit and the state of Michigan. Per team policy, terms of the partnership were not disclosed.”
Owner Tom Gores also added his own thoughts in the press release, stating that with the Pistons’ recent success, he feels this move is set to benefit fans.
“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 said. “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.”
Announced in the release, the Pistons also said their new television deal with Scripps Sports ‘will produce comprehensive game‑day coverage, including pregame, in‑game, and postgame programming,’ and also feature weekly basketball content on local channels.
“Under the agreement, WMYD TV20 Detroit, owned and operated by The E.W. Scripps Company, will become the official local broadcast home of the Detroit Pistons,” the team added. “TV20 Detroit will produce and air all locally available pre-season and regular-season games. Fans will be able to watch games for free via over‑the‑air television as well as through participating cable and satellite providers.”
With their recent success, the Pistons are making changes for a future led by franchise star Cade Cunningham.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 5
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 09: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons battle for position during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
While Detroit announced news for next season, they are still in the middle of their current playoff campaign, as they have the upcoming Game 5 against the Cavaliers to worry about.
What might be most important for the Pistons heading into Game 5 is the team’s injury report, as hours before tipoff, Duncan Robinson, Kevin Huerter, and Caris LeVert are all listed as questionable.
All three participated in shootaround, but the final injury status of each remains unknown. The Cavaliers have a clean injury report, not set to miss any of their players for Game 5.
After going up 2-0 over Cleveland, Detroit has lost the last two games, with it now tied up 2-2 as the series heads back to Michigan. Cunningham and Tobias Harris continue to play well, but the Pistons could use more help from Jalen Duren and the rest of their supporting cast.
Compared to Cleveland, the Pistons lack playoff experience. However, as the top seed in the East, they still have home-court advantage as the series now shifts to a best-of-three situation. The Cavaliers likely won’t go down without a fight, but Detroit is just two games away from their first conference finals appearance since 2008, as they now are starting to experience some success in this new era of the franchise.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 5 tips off on Wednesday, May 13, at 8 pm EST and live on ESPN.
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