Observed Signal · Aug 13, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Orlando Magic Local TV Rights Move to Cox Media Group
The Orlando Magic announced Cox Media Group will become the team’s local television partner beginning in the 2026–27 season, moving many locally televised regular-season games to free over-the-air broadcast. In the Orlando market games will air on WRDQ‑TV 27 with select games on WFTV Channel 9; in Jacksonville games will air on Action Sports Jax TV (WJAX‑TV 47.2) with some broadcasts on CBS47 and FOX30. The deal covers local regular-season games, pregame/postgame shows, replays and other team programming; nationally televised games remain with the NBA’s national partners. The article frames this as part of a broader industry shift away from regional sports networks toward free local broadcast and potential centralized local streaming solutions in future seasons.
Represents a continuing industry shift away from regional sports networks toward free over‑the‑air local broadcasts and potential league-level streaming hubs, which affects local ad inventory, broadcasters, and distribution models.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Cox Media Group will be the Orlando Magic’s new local television partner beginning with the 2026–27 season.
- Games will air free over the air on WRDQ‑TV 27 in Orlando, with select games on WFTV Channel 9.
- In Jacksonville, Magic games will air on Action Sports Jax TV (WJAX‑TV 47.2), with some games also available on CBS47 and FOX30.
- The agreement covers locally televised regular‑season games, pregame/postgame coverage, replays and other Magic programming; nationally televised games remain with the NBA’s national partners.
Connected Companies & Entities
11 Entities mapped“The Magic announced that Cox Media Group will be the team’s new local television partner beginning with the 2026-27 season.”
“In July, it was reported that DAZN is in talks with several NBA teams, with Orlando among the teams expected to potentially reach a direct-t...”
“Nationally televised games will continue to air through the NBA’s national partners.”
“Through its dedicated Scripps Sports division, the company pioneered the broadcast rescue model.”
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more.”
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more.”
“YouTube has been reported as a potential partner [for a centralized local streaming hub], although the league has not finalized the service.”
“Following its massive $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, Nexstar has positioned itself as an absolute local sports juggernaut.”
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more.”
“Gray has rapidly scaled its footprint by creating 15 dedicated regional sports and entertainment networks.”
“Following its massive $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, Nexstar has positioned itself as an absolute local sports juggernaut.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Charlotte Hornets Move Local Games to Free TV
The Charlotte Hornets announced that Cox Media Group’s WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will become the team’s local broadcast home for the 2026–27 NBA season, airing every regular-season game not nationally televised free over the air in the Charlotte area. The agreement expands a prior experiment that put a small number of Hornets games on free TV in 2025 and a 12-game simulcast in 2025–26. The team says a direct-to-consumer streaming solution will be announced later as the NBA explores a centralized local streaming hub for local rights. The move is part of a broader league trend away from the traditional RSN model toward free broadcast and alternative streaming arrangements.
Phoenix Suns, Mercury Extend Free OTA TV Through 2030
The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have signed a multi-year extension with Gray Media to keep local games free over-the-air in Arizona through 2030 and add a digital streaming option via Arizona’s Family. The teams say the move continues a “fan-first” shift away from the traditional regional sports network (RSN) model. Gray Media says this makes the Suns and Mercury the first NBA/WNBA teams to offer games under one broadcast partner across broadcast TV and streaming. The partnership has driven significant audience gains — a reported 500% viewership increase for Mercury broadcasts and roughly 110,000 viewers per Suns game. The deal arrives amid continued RSN instability, team-level moves back to free OTA broadcasts, and the NBA’s possible future centralization of in‑market rights around 2027–28.
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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