FOX 8 Added 20 New Orleans Pelicans Games
The local station will simulcast twenty basketball games over the air for viewers in New Orleans.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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FOX 8 has secured a deal to simulcast 20 New Orleans Pelicans games during the 2026-27 NBA season. These broadcasts aim to broaden fan access to team coverage across the region.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to increase viewership reach by making live professional basketball available for free through local over-the-air television. Providing games on a public broadcast channel ensures that residents without cable or streaming packages can follow the team throughout the season.
The broadcast schedule features a total of 11 home games and 9 road games. This coverage is a direct simulcast of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network feed.
The players
Joel Meyers
He is a veteran play-by-play announcer who serves as the lead voice for New Orleans Pelicans basketball broadcasts.
Antonio Daniels
He is a former professional basketball player turned color analyst who provides expert commentary during game broadcasts.
Andrew Lopez
He is a journalist and reporter who provides sideline coverage and updates throughout the game broadcast.
Kelly Crull
She is a sports broadcaster and television host who oversees studio segments for game-day coverage.
New Orleans Pelicans
This is the professional basketball team based in New Orleans that competes in the Western Conference of the NBA.
The details
The broadcast team features play-by-play announcer Joel Meyers in his 14th season, color analyst Antonio Daniels in his 7th, and sideline reporter Andrew Lopez in his 3rd. Kelly Crull joins the group as the pregame, halftime, and postgame studio host.
Timeline
The broadcast simulcast covers the 2026-27 NBA season.
The season opener against the Indiana Pacers occurs on October 21, 2026.
The team hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on December 2, 2026.
A second home game against the Los Angeles Lakers is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This broadcast expansion follows a pattern set by the NBA's broader transition to hybrid regional sports network and over-the-air distribution models intended to recapture local viewers. The move signifies a shift in how small-market franchises prioritize local accessibility to maintain long-term fan engagement.
Fans can watch 20 games for free over the air, reducing the need for specific cable subscriptions to view select matchups. The schedule highlights significant games, including two December contests against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The takeaway
Local residents can now access a significant portion of the Pelicans' season without the barrier of a paid television subscription. This development highlights a shift toward prioritizing free-to-air access to keep professional sports prominent within the community.
Further reading
Learn more about the local Basketball schedule and team coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox8live.
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