CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers fans may soon need a new way to watch games.
The NBA has cleared 13 teams, including the Cavaliers, to begin seeking new local television deals for the 2026–27 season after the expected shutdown of their current regional sports partner, Main Street Sports Group, which operates FanDuel Sports Network.
The move comes as the regional sports network model continues to unravel, leaving teams across the league without long-term local broadcast partners.
Teams affected
The 13 NBA teams cleared to seek new local TV deals include:
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Indiana Pacers
- Detroit Pistons
- Miami Heat
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Orlando Magic
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- San Antonio Spurs
- Memphis Grizzlies
What’s changing
For years, Cavaliers games have been carried on Bally Sports Ohio, now operating under the FanDuel Sports Network name. That arrangement is expected to end following the 2025–26 season as the parent company winds down operations.
As a result, the Cavaliers, along with 12 other NBA teams, will need to secure new agreements to continue broadcasting games locally.
What fans might see next
While no deal has been announced, the next phase could look very different from the traditional cable model. The Cavaliers have already explored alternative broadcast options, including a 2024 partnership with Gray Television to air select games over the air, with team leadership saying the goal is to expand access for fans amid a changing media landscape.
Teams are expected to explore a mix of options, including:
- Over-the-air local television broadcasts
- Direct-to-consumer streaming services
- Hybrid models combining both
In some markets, teams have already begun shifting toward free local broadcasts paired with paid streaming access, a model that could expand if adopted league-wide.
Short-term fix, long-term plan
The NBA is encouraging teams to pursue short-term agreements, potentially lasting just one season, as the league continues developing a centralized local media platform.
That platform, which has not yet been finalized, could eventually allow fans to stream local games directly through the NBA without relying on traditional regional sports networks.
Financial ripple effects
The collapse of the regional sports network system has also created financial uncertainty.
Main Street Sports Group has struggled to meet full payment obligations to teams, and while partial recoveries are expected, some revenue losses have already impacted league projections.
What it means in Northern Ohio
For fans in Northern Ohio, the biggest change may be how games are accessed.
The shift could make Cavaliers games more widely available without a cable subscription if free, over-the-air options are included. However, it could also mean navigating new streaming platforms or subscription services depending on how future deals are structured.
For now, Cavaliers broadcasts are expected to continue as scheduled through the 2025–26 season, with changes likely taking effect next season.