Ilitch Group Mulls Creation Of Sports Network In Detroit

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DETROIT (AP)

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 15: Members of the Detroit Red Wings look on from the bench next to a tribute in the ice to owner Mike Illitch who passed away February 10th while playing the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena on February 15, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. St. Louis won the game 2-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Ilitch companies, which include the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, is considering the creation of a regional sports network to cover its teams and offer other programming.

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 7: Marian Ilitch (2nd to right) and five children celebrate the life of former Detroit Tigers owner Michael Ilitch prior to the start of the opening day game against the Boston Red Sox on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Officials with the Detroit-based organization said Thursday they have put no timeline on a potential launch, but called it a natural extension of the business. The idea comes as it considers renewing or extending its deal with FOX Sports Detroit.

The network would serve as the teams' television, broadcast and distribution hub. The organization notes other regional sports networks fully or partially owned by sports teams include the New York Yankees' YES Network and the New York Knicks' and Rangers' MSG.

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 08: Detroit Red Wing owners Marian and Mike Ilitch walk the red carpet prior to the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 8, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Ilitch organization is family owned. Patriarch Mike Ilitch, who died last year, founded Little Caesars in 1959 with his wife, Marian.