Fubo has pulled its multimillion-dollar offers for local broadcast rights from 13 NBA teams, reducing the number of available options for clubs seeking short-term media deals for the 2026–27 season.
The decision affects teams that were previously part of the Main Street Sports Group portfolio, including franchises such as the Hawks, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Heat, Bucks, Timberwolves, Thunder, Magic, and Spurs.
According to industry sources, Fubo’s proposed deals reportedly ranged between $8 million and $20 million per team, placing them among the most competitive bids in the market. However, the company ultimately decided not to proceed, citing financial and operational uncertainty, particularly around minimum guarantee requirements and contract flexibility.
A key sticking point was contract structure. NBA teams are reportedly seeking one-year agreements or deals with early termination options, as the league prepares for a potential consolidated national streaming platform expected around the 2027–28 season. Fubo was unwilling to accept those early exit clauses.
The withdrawal leaves affected teams with fewer high-value local broadcast options. As a result, many are expected to turn toward over-the-air television partners or direct-to-consumer streaming models, similar to strategies already used by several NBA franchises.
Alternative bidders such as DAZN and other streaming platforms remain in discussions, while major tech and media companies including Amazon and YouTube continue to explore future opportunities in the evolving NBA media rights landscape.
Fubo stated that it continues to evaluate opportunities in local sports broadcasting but emphasized that current market conditions and long-term uncertainty influenced its decision to step back.