FOX Sports prepares massive broadcast operation for Milwaukee vs. Tampa Bay
The stage is set for the 2026 World Series as the Milwaukee Brewers host the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field before the series shifts to Tropicana Field. FOX Sports is deploying its flagship broadcast assets to deliver comprehensive coverage across every platform.
From pregame analysis to live play-by-play, fans from both fanbases will experience a broadcast tailored to every angle, key storyline, and tactical adjustment of the Fall Classic.
Star-studded studio desk anchors pregame and postgame coverage
FOX Sports brings back its Emmy Award-winning studio desk live on-site from both host venues:
- Host Kevin Burkhardt anchors the desk, guiding pregame buildup and postgame breakdowns.
- Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz join World Series champion Alex Rodriguez to break down player approaches, hitting mechanics, and clubhouse pressure.
- Rotating appearances by Dontrelle Willis and Eric Karros provide key pitching perspectives throughout the series.
Primary booth team and field-level reporters lead live game call
The lead broadcast crew takes the booth, featuring veteran voices and field access:
- Play-by-play voice Joe Davis calls the action, marking his lead role for the Fall Classic.
- Lead analyst John Smoltz returns to the booth, providing pitch-by-pitch breakdown, rotation management analysis, and strategy insights.
- Senior field reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci work the dugouts and field level, bringing real-time injury updates, tactical managerial shifts, and in-game commentary.
Heavy iron mobile units power the compound footprint
Behind the scenes, broadcast engineering giants Game Creek Video and NEP Group supply the infrastructure required to output high-resolution broadcasts:
- Multiple 53-foot double-expando mobile units from Game Creek Video handle main game production, IP routing, and 4K transmission pipelines.
- NEP Group facilities support multi-feed distribution, domestic studio connectivity, and high-frame-rate replay network routing.
- Dedicated compound hubs process hundreds of audio channels, field microphones, and inter-venue comms setups.
Broadcast technology by the numbers – cameras, drones, and graphical tracking
FOX Sports incorporates high-end hardware and data tracking tools to break down split-second execution during game action:
- Deploying over 40 ultra-high-definition camera systems across American Family Field and Tropicana Field, including high-speed Phantom cameras capturing 1,000-plus frames per second.
- Gyro-stabilized aerial production drones flying designated flight paths to deliver expansive stadium shots and dynamic overhead angles.
- DirtCam and UmpCam integrations offering close-up perspectives on sliding plays, pitch movement, and home plate calls.
- Real-time augmented reality tracking graphics measuring exit velocity, spin rates, launch angles, and pitch break vectors instantly on replays.
Tailored presentation for Milwaukee and Tampa Bay fanbases
Broadcast features are designed to highlight the contrasting identities of the two pennant winners:
- In-depth focus on Milwaukee’s explosive bullpen usage featuring Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill, alongside coverage of key stars Jackson Chourio and William Contreras.
- Detailed coverage of Tampa Bay’s high-leverage bullpen tactics, featuring star slugger Junior Caminero, veteran leader Yandy Díaz, and speed threat Chandler Simpson.
- Highlighting regional fan culture, from the tailgating atmosphere in Milwaukee to the electric playoff crowds at Tropicana Field.