Cavs legend Austin Carr on end of FanDuel Sports Network: ‘I want to thank fans of Cleveland’

FanDuel Sports Network regional broadcasts have reached the end of the road for 13 teams. That list includes the Cavaliers.

What was once known as Fox Sports Ohio (for which I covered the Cavs from 2010-18) first became Bally Sports, and then FanDuel Sports Network. Now, it’s become nothing — as the network is closing its doors for good.

The Cavs will still have games broadcast locally next season. No one is sure where, though many suspect it will be the Dan Gilbert-owned Rock Entertainment Sports Network.

As for who will be calling and analyzing those games, well, it’s still too early to say. As one FanDuel Sports Network staffer said, “When you find out, let me know.”

Another, Cavs legend Austin Carr, simply took the time to thank fans during the postgame show of the final broadcast on Sunday. The man known as “Mr. Cavalier” has been a major player and fan favorite as a Cavs analyst. (He was also the team’s first No. 1 overall draft pick in 1971.)

“First of all, I really want to thank the fans of Cleveland,” Carr said, alongside postgame show host Cayleigh Griffin. “You really have stuck with us, stayed behind us, the whole way — good or bad. And that to me is really what it’s all about, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cayleigh and I have really enjoyed your presence.”

Griffin added that “Cavs games will air somewhere in the future, we don’t know quite yet where they will be. But we appreciate everyone tuning in over the years. … What a tremendous run it’s been.”

So, yeah, it’s the end of a Cavs TV era. But, yeah, another one is on the way. Here’s to hoping it still includes Mr. Cavalier.