March 6, 2025 – In a game-changing announcement, the St. Louis Cardinals have partnered with Gray Media, KMOV, and Matrix Midwest to deliver free, over-the-air broadcasts of at least ten of their baseball games. This collaboration marks a significant return to local television for the Cardinals, a beloved franchise that has not been featured in this format since 2010.

1. A New Era for Cardinals Baseball

The partnership is set to kick off on April 11, 2025, when the Cardinals host the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Fans can catch the action live at 7:15 PM CDT on KMOV Channel 4 and Matrix Midwest, which will air on channel 32 over-the-air and channel 6 on Spectrum cable.

This initiative will allow the Cardinals to reach an expansive audience, serving nearly 7.5 million television households across multiple states, including Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. This unprecedented access is expected to deepen community ties and enhance the fan experience.

2. Scheduled Games and Future Broadcasts

The initial lineup of games includes:

Friday, April 25: vs. Milwaukee Brewers at 7:15 PM CDT on Matrix Midwest

Friday, May 16: at Kansas City Royals at 6:40 PM CDT on Matrix Midwest

Friday, May 30: at Texas Rangers at 7:05 PM CDT on KMOV Channel 4 and Matrix Midwest

Friday, June 6: vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:15 PM CDT on KMOV Channel 4 and Matrix Midwest

Friday, June 20: vs. Cincinnati Reds at 6:15 PM CDT on Matrix Midwest

Additional game broadcasts are expected to be announced later in the season, further extending this opportunity for free viewership.

3. Building Community and Fan Engagement

The Cardinals’ Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Anuk Karunaratne, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, “We are excited that, for the first time in 15 years, fans can watch our games across Cardinals Nation for free and over-the-air, bringing the Cardinals into more homes than ever before.” This sentiment underscores the franchise’s commitment to enhancing fan engagement and accessibility, allowing more families and communities to rally behind their team.

J.D. Sosnoff, General Manager of KMOV-TV and Matrix Midwest, added, “KMOV and Matrix Midwest are proud to serve our viewers in St. Louis and across the region, by bringing iconic Cardinals baseball back to free, over-the-air broadcasts.” This partnership aims to deliver excitement directly from Busch Stadium into the living rooms of fans, revitalizing the local sports viewing experience.

4. Gray Media's Expansive Reach

Gray Media operates numerous television stations across the Midwest, including those in Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Memphis, and more. This extensive network will facilitate the distribution of the Cardinals games, reinforcing Gray's position as a leading multimedia company. With over 37 percent of U.S. television households reached through its stations, Gray Media is well-positioned to maximize the impact of this partnership.

5. About the Partners

Matrix Midwest, launched in 2024, is St. Louis's only independent sports and entertainment network, complementing its offerings with a variety of lifestyle and cultural programming. Meanwhile, KMOV-TV has been a staple of local media since 1954, known for its award-winning news and sports coverage.

As one of the most storied franchises in baseball history, the St. Louis Cardinals have a rich legacy, including 11 World Series Championships and a large fan base that spans generations. The return of free baseball broadcasts heralds a new chapter in the team’s history, promising to strengthen community bonds and foster a new generation of fans.

For further information, fans are encouraged to check local listings and prepare for an exciting baseball season ahead as the Cardinals look to reclaim their place in the hearts of fans, both old and new.

Original press release