Observed Signal · Oct 26, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
DIRECTV Partners with DAZN for NBA Local Coverage
DIRECTV and DAZN have signed a multiyear distribution agreement to bring local coverage of five NBA teams (Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs) to DIRECTV customers. The telecasts will be available on streaming, satellite, and U-Verse in each team's respective market, including pregame, postgame, and in-game coverage. Customers with eligible packages (Choice or higher, U200 or higher) and DIRECTV for Business customers will gain access. Soon, DIRECTV credentials will also work on DAZN at no extra cost. This partnership expands DIRECTV's NBA coverage to 28 teams, strengthening its sports offerings and DAZN's distribution reach.
This partnership expands distribution of live sports content, a key driver for ad-supported streaming and subscriber retention in the CTV ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- DIRECTV and DAZN signed a multiyear distribution agreement.
- Local coverage for five NBA teams will be available.
- Telecasts include pregame, postgame, and in-game coverage.
- Available on DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-Verse.
- DIRECTV now offers access to 28 NBA teams.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“DIRECTV partners with DAZN to add coverage for five NBA teams.”
“DIRECTV and DAZN announced a multiyear distribution agreement.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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.
DIRECTV Adds NHL Regional Channels for Four Teams
DIRECTV has announced a new multi-year distribution agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) to carry regional channels for the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. The channels—Hurricanes Hockey Network, Blue Jackets Hockey Network, Wild+, and Blue Note+—will be available to DIRECTV streaming and satellite customers in each team's home territory who subscribe to Choice or higher packages, and to U-verse customers with U200 or above. The deal also grants commercial distribution rights for DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS venues, such as sports bars and restaurants. This expands DIRECTV's local sports offerings to rights for 76 of 81 U.S.-based NHL, NBA, or MLB franchises, including 23 NHL teams. The announcement was made on October 24, 2026, reflecting the evolving local sports distribution landscape.
Cavaliers to Air 15 Free Games on Local TV
The Cleveland Cavaliers announced that 15 regular-season games for the 2026-27 season will be available free over-the-air, simulcast on Gray Media stations and streamed on DAZN. This move extends the NBA's broader trend of moving local games to broadcast television following the decline of regional sports networks. Fans in the Cleveland market can watch on WOIO, WUAB, and Rock Entertainment Sports Network, with other markets also carrying the games. The free games will have pregame and postgame coverage. The team's full local streaming package is available via DAZN subscriptions, with plans ranging from $19.99 monthly to $139.99 for a season pass. The Cavaliers join other teams like the Hornets, Magic, and Suns in offering free over-the-air viewing options.
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