What's Happening?
DAZN has quietly launched a dedicated page detailing its plans to stream Charlotte Hornets games for the 2026-27 NBA season, indicating a new partnership that has not yet been publicly announced by the team. According to the DAZN page, the service will
offer live streams of 75 regular-season Hornets games, with 71 of these being exclusive to DAZN. Four additional games will be available through national TV providers, and five are scheduled for national television. DAZN has also listed pricing options for its Hornets offering, including annual season passes and monthly flex passes, with standard and ultimate tiers. The standard plan allows streaming on two devices in one location, while the ultimate plan expands to five devices in two locations and includes features like multiview and alternative camera angles. All games are expected to be available in 1080p Full HD, along with replays, highlights, and other on-demand content. This move follows similar agreements DAZN has made with other NBA teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers, as it seeks to become a significant player in the league's local media distribution.
Why It's Important?
This development signifies a growing trend in how U.S. sports content, particularly NBA games, is being distributed to fans, moving towards direct-to-consumer streaming models. For the Charlotte Hornets, this partnership with DAZN provides a crucial direct-to-consumer streaming option, especially for fans residing outside the traditional local broadcast area covered by free over-the-air TV stations like WSOC Channel 9 and TV64. This expansion of streaming access could significantly increase the team's reach and engagement with its fanbase, potentially attracting new viewers who prefer streaming platforms over traditional cable or antenna broadcasts. For DAZN, securing local streaming rights for multiple NBA teams, including the Hornets, Grizzlies, and Cavaliers, positions it as a major player in the competitive sports streaming market. This strategy allows DAZN to build a robust portfolio of exclusive local sports content, which could drive subscriber growth and revenue. The shift also impacts traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) and local broadcasters, as teams explore alternative distribution channels to maximize viewership and revenue in an evolving media landscape.
What's Next?
While the Charlotte Hornets have not yet made a public announcement regarding their partnership with DAZN, an official confirmation is anticipated as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches. The first game listed on DAZN for the Hornets is their October 21 road matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, suggesting that the service will be operational for the start of the season. Fans will need to choose between DAZN's various subscription tiers to access the majority of the Hornets' local games, while those in the Charlotte market will still have free over-the-air options for non-nationally televised games. DAZN is expected to continue its efforts to secure similar local streaming agreements with other NBA teams, further solidifying its presence in the U.S. sports broadcasting market. The success of these direct-to-consumer models will likely influence future negotiations between sports leagues, teams, and streaming platforms, potentially leading to a broader shift away from traditional broadcast models for local sports content.
Beyond the Headlines
The increasing adoption of direct-to-consumer streaming by NBA teams, exemplified by the DAZN-Hornets partnership, reflects a broader transformation in media consumption habits. This shift challenges the long-standing dominance of cable and satellite providers in delivering live sports, offering fans more flexible and personalized viewing options. The move also raises questions about the future of regional sports networks, which have historically held exclusive local broadcast rights. As more teams opt for streaming partnerships, RSNs may face declining viewership and revenue, potentially leading to consolidation or new business models. Furthermore, the tiered pricing structures offered by DAZN, with standard and ultimate plans, highlight the growing trend of premium content offerings in streaming, where subscribers pay more for enhanced features like multiview and additional camera angles. This could lead to a more fragmented and diverse sports viewing experience, with fans subscribing to multiple services to access all their preferred content.
