DAZN is poised to become one of the biggest players in local NBA streaming
According to a new report from Sports Business Journal, DAZN has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire digital streaming rights tied to MSG Networks and YES Network while also nearing agreements with several NBA teams. If completed, the deals would dramatically expand DAZN’s presence in the U.S. just as the NBA prepares for one of the biggest changes to its local media strategy in decades
The reported agreements would shift streaming rights away from Gotham Sports, the app currently used by MSG Networks and YES Network, giving DAZN a significant foothold in some of the country’s largest media markets. DAZN would be the home of all non-national games for the Knicks, Nets, Yankees, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and Sabres
Beyond the Big Apple,ven other NBA teams. The company is expected to acquire full exclusive broadcast rights for the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Also, the Orlando Magic and “possibly” the Charlotte Hornets are expected to reach DTC streaming-only agreements with DAZN
The report notes that DAZN declined to address the seven teams it’s negotiating with; however, CEO Shay Segev made clear the push isn’t stopping. “We are in discussion with many other teams, and I can promise you that more teams will follow very soon,” he told SBJ
The report also notes that one more team could be added in a non-exclusive streaming deal, which “perhaps” could be the Washington Wizards. If the deals are finalized, DAZN would be the local streaming home to up to ten NBA teams
Together with the reported MSG and YES agreements, DAZN would suddenly become one of the largest distributors of local NBA streaming rights in the country. The London-based company has spent years building its reputation through boxing and international soccer, but these deals would make it a much bigger player in U.S. professional sports
Segev was unequivocal about DAZN’s intentions: “The U.S. is the biggest market in the world for sports,” he said. “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when
According to the report, many of the DAZN agreements could be structured as one-year deals or include opt-out clauses with termination fees. That would give teams flexibility if the NBA moves forward with its planned league-wide local streaming hub for the 2027-28 season. Rather than locking clubs into long-term contracts, the reported structure would allow them to generate revenue in the short term while preserving the ability to join a centralized platform later
For the past several years, the regional sports network business has steadily unraveled as cable subscriptions declined and teams searched for new ways to reach fans. That transition accelerated earlier this year when Main Street Sports Group, the operator of FanDuel Sports Network, informed teams it planned to shut down its regional sports network business after the 2025-26 season, leaving more than a dozen NBA franchises looking for long-term broadcast solutions
That collapse has forced leagues, teams, and media companies to rethink how local sports should be distributed in a streaming-first world
Instead of simply replacing one regional sports network with another, many organizations are experimenting with entirely new approaches. Some teams have embraced free over-the-air television to reach larger audiences, while others have launched direct-to-consumer streaming services or partnered with league-operated platforms
As for now, nothing has been officially announced, and the agreements remain subject to completion. But if the reported deals move forward, they will represent another major milestone in the ongoing reshaping of local sports television
