Charlotte Hornets Partnered for Local Broadcast Coverage

The team signed new agreements to air 75 games for free on local television during the 2026-27 season.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball

Charlotte Hornets Partnered for Local Broadcast Coverage

Live Poll

Do you prefer when your local sports teams offer games for free over-the-air?

The Charlotte Hornets have secured broadcast agreements with Gray Media and Sinclair to air games over-the-air across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. This initiative aims to increase accessibility for fans by providing free local coverage throughout the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

By moving to a free, over-the-air model, the franchise intends to reach a broader audience of supporters who may not have access to traditional cable packages. The partnership ensures that most of the team's schedule will be available without a subscription fee for the upcoming year.

A total of 75 games will be available on free local television, with six additional games designated for national telecasts. Gray Media will serve six regional markets, while Sinclair will handle broadcasts in the Greensboro and Raleigh areas.

The players

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Gray Media

Gray Media is a broadcast company that owns and operates television stations across various regional markets.

Sinclair

Sinclair is a diversified media company that operates a large portfolio of local television stations and regional networks.

DAZN

DAZN is a global sports streaming platform that broadcasts professional sports leagues to international and local audiences.

The details

Broadcasts will feature comprehensive coverage, including pregame and postgame analysis. While local stations will carry the majority of the season, DAZN remains the exclusive home for direct-to-consumer streaming services.

October 2026: Gray Media begins broadcasting games in six markets.
October 6, 2026: The Hornets open their preseason slate against the Brooklyn Nets.
2026-27 season: The one-year broadcast partnership will be in effect.

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Season Trajectory

This move signals a shift in the team's broadcast strategy, prioritizing local accessibility over traditional regional sports network exclusivity. It significantly alters how the regional audience consumes the season, potentially influencing future broadcast negotiations across the league.

Fans in the designated markets can now access the vast majority of the Hornets' 2026-27 schedule via free, over-the-air channels without needing a cable subscription. This change shifts how local viewers follow the team, moving the primary broadcast home for 75 games to local TV stations like WSOC Channel 9 and TV64.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights a broader movement among professional sports teams to reclaim control over their broadcast rights and broaden their local appeal. Fans should check their local listings to confirm which free, over-the-air station will carry games in their specific region.