FanDuel Sports Network, under the operation of Main Street Sports Group, today unveiled an ambitious digital distribution initiative that will deliver select live local NBA and NHL games to major streaming platforms starting in mid-November. This rollout represents the inaugural phase of a comprehensive multi-phase Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV strategy aimed at capturing a younger, digital-first sports audience, while simultaneously bolstering direct-to-consumer engagement and traditional linear television viewership. The approach also opens new avenues for advertisers and sponsors to connect with dedicated sports viewers through targeted placements.
The selected live games, featuring partnerships with various NBA and NHL teams, will stream directly on Pluto TV, Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus, with additional platforms expected to join in subsequent announcements. These matchups will appear prominently in front of any subscription barriers, positioned within dedicated sports sections, rotating carousels, and highlighted promotional tiles during the live broadcast windows. This placement ensures that fans can easily discover and access their local teams’ games on the services they already use for everyday streaming, eliminating barriers to entry and enhancing convenience.
The games themselves will maintain in-market availability through over-the-air broadcasts, creating a hybrid model that bridges traditional free television with modern digital ecosystems. By integrating these live productions into ad-supported environments, the network intends to democratize access to regional sports content, reaching hundreds of millions of potential viewers across the partnered platforms. This strategy leverages the growing preference for on-demand, cost-free viewing options among cord-cutters and younger demographics who prioritize flexibility over cable subscriptions.
Building upon recent multiplatform successes, the initiative reinforces a core emphasis on fan-centric innovation. Internal metrics have already demonstrated effective conversion pathways to help grow the audaince for the NHL and NBA. This data-driven validation supports the network’s broader vision of ubiquitous access, transforming how local sports are consumed and discovered in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Looking ahead, this mid-November launch serves as a foundational step toward a more expansive milestone scheduled for 2026: the introduction of a dedicated 24/7 free channel. This always-on destination will act as a national hub, showcasing an expanding lineup of original programming such as daily studio shows, pre-game analyses, and personality-driven content. It will further amplify the network’s portfolio, drawing in casual viewers and converting them into loyal followers of both live events and ancillary offerings.
FanDuel Sports Network positions itself as a pioneer in this space by evolving over-the-air traditions into a streaming-dominant framework. The combination of widespread reach, zero-cost entry points, and cutting-edge delivery methods establishes a blueprint for next-generation sports media. Advertisers benefit from contextual integrations tied to high-engagement live moments, while teams and leagues gain enhanced visibility in non-traditional markets. As digital consumption habits continue to shift, this model addresses the demand for seamless, inclusive access without compromising production quality or regional relevance.
The broader implications extend to the evolving economics of sports broadcasting, where ad-supported streaming emerges as a viable complement to paywalls and linear feeds. By prioritizing discoverability and ease of use, the network aims to sustain fan interest amid competition from national networks and global platforms. This phased rollout not only expands the footprint of local games but also sets precedents for how regional sports entities can thrive in a digital-first era, fostering sustained growth for all stakeholders involved.
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