FanDuel Sports Network is permanently closing its Atlanta office at Colony Square on Peachtree Street NE, eliminating 57 positions. An additional 17 employees at Encompass Digital Media in DeKalb County — which provides satellite and fiber transmission services to multiple networks — will also be laid off.
The company filed a notice under the federal WARN Act, meaning employees were formally notified at least 60 days in advance. Layoffs are scheduled to begin April 14.
What’s behind the move?
The shutdown follows mounting instability for the network. In January, the Atlanta Braves terminated its local broadcast agreement.
They weren’t alone — eight other MLB teams also exited:
- Cincinnati Reds
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Los Angeles Angels
- Miami Marlins
- Milwaukee Brewers
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Tampa Bay Rays
Losing that many MLB rights at once isn’t a small crack — it’s structural damage.
However, the network continues to broadcast NBA and NHL games, including those of the Atlanta Hawks.
What leadership is saying
David Preschlack, CEO of Main Street Sports Group, said the network is still in discussions with partners regarding future plans. He emphasized that WARN notices were issued in compliance with the law and could technically be revoked.
Translation: nothing is final — but it’s serious.
Broader media shifts in Atlanta
Meanwhile, Gray Media, parent company of Atlanta News First, simulcast 15 Braves regular-season games in 2025, reaching 15 million households across six states. It’s also scheduled to air 15 spring training games in 2026.
That signals a broader trend: teams regaining control of distribution while regional sports networks face pressure from cord-cutting, rights fee disputes, and shifting ad economics.
Roles impacted
The 74 total layoffs span:
- Account executives
- Broadcast engineers
- Copy coordinators
- Associate producers
Regional sports networks have been under strain for years. This closure suggests the shakeout isn’t over yet — and Atlanta just became the latest example.
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