What's Happening?
The Charlotte Hornets have finalized a new local rights agreement with Cox Media Group, allowing their games to be broadcast on Charlotte's ABC affiliate WSOC and independent affiliate WAXN (TV64) for the upcoming NBA season. This move makes the Hornets the fifth
NBA team this offseason to secure a deal with an over-the-air affiliate. Additionally, the Hornets are expected to sign a separate streaming agreement with DAZN. This development follows the collapse of the FanDuel Sports Network RSNs, which previously aired the Hornets' games. The Orlando Magic have also struck a similar deal with Cox Media Group for their local broadcasts, with plans to add a streaming deal with DAZN.
Why It's Important?
The shift to over-the-air and streaming deals marks a significant change in how NBA teams are managing their local broadcast rights following the decline of the RSN model. This new approach could potentially increase the reach and accessibility of games to a broader audience, although it may result in reduced revenue compared to the previous RSN agreements. The Hornets and Magic's strategy reflects a broader trend among NBA teams to adapt to the changing media landscape, aiming to maintain fan engagement and revenue streams in a challenging economic environment.
What's Next?
As more NBA teams explore similar broadcast and streaming arrangements, the league may see a more fragmented media landscape with varying local broadcast strategies. The success of these new deals will likely influence other teams' decisions and could lead to further innovations in sports broadcasting. Additionally, the NBA's central media department, led by Matt Volk, may play a crucial role in developing a more unified streaming platform in the future.
