NBA, NHL teams told Main Street sports network will end operations
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Main Street Sports Group, operating as FanDuel Sports Network, announced it will cease operations at the end of the 2026 NBA and NHL seasons, releasing 20 teams from their local media contracts.
- The network started 2026 with contracts covering 29 NBA, NHL, and MLB teams but lost all nine MLB team contracts before spring training, with 13 NBA and 7 NHL teams set to follow after their seasons conclude.
- Main Street Sports emerged from bankruptcy in 2023 after Sinclair Broadcast Group's Diamond Sports Group, burdened by nearly $9 billion in debt, failed to sustain operations despite new deals and partnerships.
- The company missed payments to MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, and a potential sale to DAZN fell through, leading to further contract losses and financial instability.
- NBA and NHL teams have not received their rights fees for 2026 but are expected to be partially reimbursed as Main Street prepares to wind down unless a new investor intervenes.
