Observed Signal · Jul 29, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
DAZN Eyes Local NBA Streaming Rights for Up to 10 Teams
DAZN is reported to be the frontrunner to acquire digital streaming rights tied to MSG Networks and YES Network and is nearing agreements with multiple NBA teams. If completed, DAZN would become the streaming home for all non-national games for New York-area franchises and is close to exclusive local rights for several other teams, potentially covering up to ten NBA clubs. Reported deal structures may be short-term or include opt-outs to preserve flexibility ahead of a possible league-run local streaming hub for 2027-28. The moves would significantly expand DAZN’s U.S. sports footprint and mark a major shift in local sports distribution as regional sports networks decline.
Potentially large redistribution of local NBA streaming rights to a major OTT distributor would materially affect local sports distribution, CTV inventory, and advertiser access to premium local sports audiences; also relevant ahead of a planned league-run local streaming hub.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- DAZN is reported as the frontrunner to acquire digital streaming rights tied to MSG Networks and YES Network.
- DAZN would be the streaming home for all non-national games for the Knicks, Nets, Yankees, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and Sabres if the reported deals close.
- DAZN is reportedly close to exclusive local rights deals with the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves; the Orlando Magic and possibly the Charlotte Hornets are expected to reach DTC streaming-only agreements.
- Some reported DAZN agreements could be one-year deals or include opt-out clauses and termination fees to allow teams flexibility ahead of a potential league-wide local streaming hub in 2027-28.
- Main Street Sports Group (operator of FanDuel Sports Network) plans to shut down its regional sports network business after the 2025-26 season, accelerating teams' search for new broadcast solutions.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“DAZN is poised to become one of the biggest players in local NBA streaming....”
“DAZN has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire digital streaming rights tied to MSG Networks and YES Network while also nearing agreements w...”
“Main Street Sports Group, the operator of FanDuel Sports Network, informed teams it planned to shut down its regional sports network busines...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
DAZN Targets Majority Stake in Main Street Sports Group
DAZN is in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Main Street Sports Group, the largest operator of U.S. regional sports networks (RSNs). The deal would instantly give DAZN local broadcast rights for 29 teams across the NBA, NHL and MLB and expand its U.S. footprint beyond a combat-sports niche. Main Street Sports Group is the successor to Diamond Sports Group, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy; the business has stabilized via a FanDuel naming-rights deal and a distribution partnership with Amazon for streaming. The transaction would combine streaming-first distribution with legacy linear cable infrastructure, posing strategic tradeoffs between cost savings from dismantling linear channels and the risk of alienating viewers who still watch local teams on traditional TV.
NBA Eyes YouTube as Local Games Streaming Hub
The NBA is reportedly advancing plans to launch a centralized streaming hub for local, in-market games starting in the 2027–28 season, and YouTube is cited as a leading candidate to host the service. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league is optimistic a solution will be in place by 2027–28 as teams move away from the failing regional sports network (RSN) model. Thirteen teams currently lack permanent local TV deals, several clubs have already secured over-the-air (OTA) partnerships beginning in 2027–28, and the league expects the hub could eventually cover more than 20 teams if additional RSN carriage shifts to the new service.
DAZN Secures Memphis Grizzlies Streaming Rights with Free Games
DAZN has entered a multi-year partnership with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the team's exclusive local broadcaster across a seven-state region. The deal covers the 2026-27 season, including all preseason games and 78 of 80 regular-season games, with 15 games available free to account holders. DAZN will produce games in 1080i and offer various subscription plans, including multiview features. The agreement allows fans to watch without cable, and selected games will be simulcast over-the-air. DAZN will also stream Grind City Media programming. This move strengthens DAZN's position in local sports streaming, expanding its NBA portfolio.
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