NBA teams cleared to seek new local TV deals for 2026-27

The NBA has informed the 13 teams currently affiliated with Main Street Sports Group that they’re free to pursue new in-market media rights agreements for the 2026-27 season, according to Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal.

Those teams are the Thunder, Spurs, Pistons, Cavaliers, Clippers, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Hornets, Hawks, Pacers, Grizzlies and Bucks.

Main Street — formerly Diamond Sports Group — operates FanDuel Sports Network, which handles local broadcasts for those clubs.

However, the company is expected to cease operations following the conclusion of the regular season on April 12.

In a statement, a Main Street spokesperson said the network plans to complete the NBA season before winding down.

“We are preparing to wind down our operations upon seasons’ end unless we reach a strategic transaction,” the statement reads.

As a result, those 13 teams will enter the offseason without confirmed local broadcast partners. Options include over-the-air networks, streaming services, or a combination of both.

The league has encouraged teams to consider short-term agreements, potentially with opt-outs, as it works toward launching a centralized streaming platform for local broadcasts.

That platform is not expected to be ready until at least the 2027-28 season.

According to Friend, DAZN has been actively pursuing media rights, though it could face competition from companies such as Amazon, YouTube TV and ESPN’s app.

Several teams are also exploring streaming-only options.

Despite not receiving rights payments from Main Street in 2026, teams could recover up to 60% of their lost revenue once dissolution agreements are finalized.

Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Mel Raines confirmed Indiana is evaluating its options.

“We’re throwing a very wide net,” Raines told Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “Looking at every possible option to reach as many of our fans as we can next season.”