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Hornets move 2026-27 games to over-the-air TV, $7–8M deal

8/13/2026

48 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Hornets moved non-nationally televised 2026-27 games to over-the-air broadcast on WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 via a Cox Media Group deal that includes a $7-$8 million annual rights fee.
DAZN is expected to stream the Hornets’ games and pay a $1-$2 million annual guarantee.
The Hornets become the fifth Main Street Sports Group team to shift to over-the-air TV, with a one-year term that positions them to join NBA hub for 2027-28.

History

Historical Context

In November 1989 the NBA signed a $600 million contract with NBC, beginning national broadcasts in the 1990-91 season and expanding free-to-air exposure. The Charlotte Hornets’ 2026-27 shift to WSOC Channel 9 and DAZN, costing about $7-8 million annually, mirrors that move by favoring over-the-air reach and may reshape regional revenue through 2028.

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Story summary

The Hornets moved non-nationally televised 2026-27 games to over-the-air broadcast on WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 via a Cox Media Group deal that includes a $7-$8 million annual rights fee.
DAZN is expected to stream the Hornets’ games and pay a $1-$2 million annual guarantee.
The Hornets become the fifth Main Street Sports Group team to shift to over-the-air TV, with a one-year term that positions them to join NBA hub for 2027-28.

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