London-based sports streaming platform DAZN has publicly confirmed its interest in acquiring local broadcast rights for NBA teams, marking a significant step in its U.S. expansion strategy.
Speaking to Sports Business Journal, DAZN’s executive Pete Oliver revealed that the company is currently in discussions with multiple teams and is also interested in hosting the NBA’s anticipated centralized local distribution platform, expected to launch later this decade.
A market in transition
The local rights landscape is unfolding across two timelines. In the short term, teams are urgently seeking new broadcast partners following the collapse of Main Street Sports Group. The company’s FanDuel Sports Network channels aired their final major event after the Minnesota Wild concluded their playoff series.
In the long term, major leagues are working toward building centralized distribution systems to take control of their local media rights.
13 teams seeking new deals
Within the NBA, 13 of the 29 U.S.-based franchises were tied to Main Street Sports Group and are now in need of new media partners. DAZN is positioning itself as a solution, offering rights deals reportedly in the range of $8 million to $15 million annually per team.
Games would be distributed through DAZN’s subscription-based app, priced at $31 per month (or $21 with an annual plan). As with previous RSN models, a limited number of games—around 10 to 15—could also be made available for free via local channels or the app.
Competition heats up
DAZN faces strong competition from Fubo, which is described as the primary rival in the bidding process. Fubo offers similar financial terms but benefits from a more traditional distribution model that includes cable and satellite alongside streaming.
Meanwhile, Victory+—which recently secured rights to the Minnesota Lynx—is also reportedly targeting a share of the available teams.
Strategic expansion in the U.S.
DAZN’s footprint in the United States has so far been focused on combat sports and soccer. Its growing involvement in local rights negotiations signals a broader ambition to establish itself as a major player in the American sports media market.
The company had previously explored acquiring Main Street Sports Group, according to The Wall Street Journal, but appears to have pivoted toward directly securing rights instead of taking on struggling regional sports networks.
Beyond basketball
While the current discussions center on the NBA, DAZN is also believed to be interested in local rights for Major League Baseball teams and participating in that league’s future centralized media model.
As the traditional RSN structure continues to unravel, streaming platforms like DAZN are emerging at the forefront of a reshaped sports media ecosystem.