Observed Signal · Aug 13, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
TV (linear) Market: 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.
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 mappedDAZN
Sports streaming platform monetised by subscriptions, advertising and adjacencies.
“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...”
Scripps
US broadcaster monetising national, local and streaming media inventory.
“Through its dedicated Scripps Sports division, the company pioneered the broadcast rescue model....”
Hulu
Streaming platform combining subscriptions, live TV and premium advertising.
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more....”
DIRECTV
Pay TV, streaming and addressable advertising platform.
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more....”
NBA
Professional basketball league and sports media platform.
“The Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams that have recently moved locally available games to broadcast TV....”
Cox Media Group
US local broadcaster and advertising sales operator.
“The Magic announced that Cox Media Group will be the team’s new local television partner beginning with the 2026-27 season....”
YouTube
Video platform monetising audiences through ads, subscriptions and creator tools.
“YouTube has been reported as a potential partner [for a centralized local streaming hub], although the league has not finalized the service....”
Nexstar Media Group
US media owner selling local, national and streaming advertising.
“Following its massive $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, Nexstar has positioned itself as an absolute local sports juggernaut....”
fuboTV
Sports-first live TV streamer with subscription and CTV advertising revenue.
“Also available: DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more....”
Gray Media
US local broadcaster and cross-channel advertising media owner.
“Gray has rapidly scaled its footprint by creating 15 dedicated regional sports and entertainment networks....”
TEGNA
US local broadcaster and media owner monetising audiences and distribution.
“Following its massive $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, Nexstar has positioned itself as an absolute local sports juggernaut....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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