FanDuel Sports Network’s regional outlets appear en route to extinction.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks while defended by Utah Jazz forwards Kyle Filipowski (22), left, and Cody Williams (5), right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Sports Business Journal reported Thursday that Main Street Sports Group, which owns and operates the regional FanDuel Sports Network channels, is set to wind down operations following the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Main Street’s lenders signed paperwork to “wind down the business,” SBJ reported.
SBJ also reported that NBA teams using Main Street Sports Group this season, including the Timberwolves, are “likey” to be reimbursed for a portion of lost rights fees from this season.
So the Wild and Timberwolves’ local broadcasts will be distributed through other methods, which have yet to officially be determined, beginning next season.
The NBA has reportedly told the Timberwolves and other teams they can begin signing new in-market deals for the 2026-27 season. Such a deal could include a streaming-only platform, or using an over-the-air channel. The latter is rarely financially lucrative for teams.
SBJ reported the Wolves and Hornet “are contemplating local streaming-only deals,” a path the Lynx may also follow.
The NBA is reportedly looking into its own its national streaming regional sports network, though that likely won’t come to fruition until 2027, at the earliest.