altafiber expands local sports coverage with full-season Cincinnati Reds broadcasts, including pre- and post-game programming on Fioptics+ Channel 24
altafiber has announced a significant new partnership with Major League Baseball that will bring Cincinnati Reds games directly to local fans throughout the 2026 regular season. The agreement underscores altafiber’s continued commitment to delivering premium entertainment experiences to its customers while strengthening its deep-rooted connection with the Greater Cincinnati community. The 2026 MLB season is set to begin on Thursday, March 26, and Reds fans can expect comprehensive coverage from the very start.
Under the terms of the agreement, Reds game broadcasts will be made available on Channel 24 via altafiber’s Fioptics+ video platform. This dedicated channel will feature not only live game action but also extensive pre-game and post-game programming, offering fans a more immersive and complete viewing experience. Channel 24 is scheduled to officially launch on March 25, just one day before the start of the regular season, ensuring that fans are fully prepared to follow their team from Opening Day onward.
The move reflects a broader shift in how regional sports content is delivered, with telecommunications providers increasingly stepping into the role of content distributors. By partnering with MLB, altafiber is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation, combining high-speed fiber connectivity with exclusive sports programming. This integration allows customers to enjoy seamless, high-quality broadcasts while leveraging the reliability and performance of altafiber’s advanced network infrastructure.
Greg Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer of altafiber, emphasized the importance of the partnership in reinforcing the company’s longstanding relationship with the local community. According to Wheeler, altafiber has been serving Greater Cincinnati for more than 150 years, making it one of the region’s most established and trusted service providers. Over the decades, the company has evolved alongside the community, continually investing in new technologies and services to meet changing customer needs.
Wheeler highlighted that baseball holds a special place in the hearts of Cincinnati residents, with the Reds representing not just a sports team but a cultural institution. By bringing Reds games directly to its platform, altafiber is tapping into that emotional connection and enhancing the way fans engage with their hometown team. He also noted that the company takes pride in its ongoing support for the Reds, including its role in sponsoring “Hometown Heroes” in-game events and serving as the team’s Official Internet Provider.
This latest agreement builds on that existing relationship, further aligning altafiber with one of the most iconic franchises in professional baseball. The Cincinnati Reds, known as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, have a rich history and a passionate fan base that spans generations. By securing broadcast rights, altafiber is not only enhancing its content offerings but also strengthening its brand identity as a community-focused organization.
From a technological perspective, the partnership also showcases the advantages of fiber-based services in delivering high-quality video content. altafiber has invested more than $1.5 billion in building and expanding its fiber network across the Midwest. This extensive infrastructure enables the company to provide fast, reliable internet and crystal-clear video streaming to a wide range of customers, from residential households to large businesses.
Today, altafiber’s fiber network reaches nearly 100 percent of business and single-family home addresses across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. This level of coverage ensures that a vast majority of local residents will have access to Reds broadcasts through the Fioptics+ platform. The company’s ability to deliver consistent performance, even during high-demand events like live sports broadcasts, is a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
In addition to live game coverage, the inclusion of pre-game and post-game programming adds significant value for fans. These segments often feature expert analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that deepen viewers’ understanding of the game. By offering a full suite of content, altafiber is creating a more engaging and comprehensive sports viewing experience.
The timing of the Channel 24 launch is also strategic. By going live just one day before the season opener, altafiber ensures that fans have ample time to familiarize themselves with the new channel and platform. This approach minimizes disruption and allows for a smooth transition, particularly for viewers who may be switching from other providers or platforms.
The agreement also highlights the evolving relationship between sports leagues and media distributors. As traditional broadcasting models continue to change, partnerships like this one demonstrate how leagues such as Major League Baseball are exploring new ways to reach audiences. Collaborations with regional providers like altafiber enable more targeted and localized distribution, ensuring that fans can easily access the content they care about most.
For altafiber, the deal represents more than just a content acquisition—it is a strategic investment in customer satisfaction and retention. Live sports remain one of the most powerful drivers of viewership, and securing exclusive or regionally significant content can play a crucial role in attracting and retaining subscribers. By offering Reds games on its platform, altafiber is enhancing its value proposition and differentiating itself from competitors.
Looking ahead, the partnership could pave the way for additional collaborations and expanded content offerings. As technology continues to evolve, there may be opportunities to integrate interactive features, enhanced analytics, or personalized viewing experiences into sports broadcasts. altafiber’s robust fiber network provides a strong foundation for such innovations, positioning the company to adapt to future trends in digital entertainment.
Ultimately, the agreement between altafiber and Major League Baseball represents a win-win for all parties involved. Fans gain convenient access to their favorite team’s games, the Reds benefit from increased visibility and engagement, and altafiber strengthens its role as a leading provider of both connectivity and content. As the 2026 season gets underway, this partnership is set to deliver an exciting and enhanced viewing experience for baseball enthusiasts across the region.
