The Charlotte Hornets struck a broadcast partnership with Gray Media and Sinclair. Seventy-five games will air free over-the-air to fans across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia for the 2026-27 NBA season. This deal marks a shift in how the team distributes its content.

Gray Media will blanket six markets across the Carolinas starting in October. Charleston, Columbia, Greenville-New Bern, Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson, Myrtle Beach, and Wilmington will all get coverage through local television affiliates and the Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network.

Sinclair will broadcast games in Greensboro and Raleigh. Gray-owned stations WDBJ and WZBJ will carry games in Roanoke, Virginia, pushing the team’s territory past the Carolinas.

“Our fans-first commitment means meeting fans where they are and making it easier for them to experience Hornets basketball,” said Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, according to SI.com. “As the team of the Carolinas, we want longtime fans, new audiences and the next generation throughout our region to feel connected to their NBA team.”

Most markets will carry about 75 games on secondary channels alongside select matchups on primary network affiliates including NBC, CBS, FOX, and CW. Broadcasts will feature pregame and postgame shows with news and analysis.

Mike Behan, chief business and revenue officer, said accessibility was a top concern. “The number one thing I heard out in the community is that fans were oftentimes confused or didn’t know how they can consume and watch our games,” Behan said.

Sandy Breland, chief operating officer at Gray Media, said his company appreciates the partnership. “Gray knows Hornets fans across South and North Carolina will love watching these games free, over-the-air,” Breland said, per Live5News. “We appreciate our relationship with the Hornets and commend them for focusing on the fans with this broadcast partnership.”

The partnership represents one-year deals. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. Ad sales will be split with Gray Media and Sinclair.

Six games are scheduled for national telecasts and streaming. WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will serve as the local broadcast home in the Charlotte region, while DAZN will serve as the exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming home.

Training camp starts next week. The team opens its four-game preseason slate on Tuesday, Oct. 6, against the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center.