FanDuel Sports Network Collapse Could Darken Local TV for NBA, NHL Teams

Bankruptcy of parent company Main Street Sports Group threatens broadcast access for over 20 teams as playoffs approach.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Sports fans could lose local TV access for more than 20 NBA and NHL teams as Main Street Sports Group, the owner of FanDuel Sports Networks, faces possible bankruptcy and liquidation. The collapse of the regional sports network model, exacerbated by the exit of MLB teams, threatens to leave many professional basketball and hockey franchises without local broadcast partners just as their playoff races heat up.

Why it matters

The potential loss of local TV broadcasts would severely limit viewing options for fans of affected NBA and NHL teams, disrupting their ability to follow their favorite clubs during crucial late-season and postseason games. This highlights the fragility of the regional sports network model and the broader challenges facing the sports media landscape.

The details

Main Street Sports Group, which relaunched the FanDuel Sports Networks in 2025 after the bankruptcy of Sinclair's Diamond Sports Group, has reportedly missed rights-fee payments to several MLB teams. With nine MLB clubs expected to sever ties, the company's financial stability is in jeopardy, potentially leading to a Chapter 7 liquidation that would take FanDuel Sports Networks off the air. This would impact 13 NBA teams and 10 NHL teams that currently have their local broadcasts carried by the network.

  • The MLB season is set to begin in just two months, by which time nine clubs are expected to end their partnerships with Main Street Sports Group.
  • The NBA and NHL regular seasons are scheduled to conclude in April, meaning FanDuel Sports Networks may only be able to continue operations through the end of the regular seasons.

The players

Main Street Sports Group

The parent company of FanDuel Sports Networks, which is facing possible bankruptcy and liquidation due to missed rights-fee payments to MLB teams.

Diamond Sports Group

A subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group that previously operated the regional sports networks now known as Bally Sports, before filing for bankruptcy in 2023.

MLB

Major League Baseball, which has a model in place to bring its local rights in-house through MLB.TV, providing teams with an alternative broadcast path forward.

NBA

The National Basketball Association, with 13 teams currently airing their games on FanDuel Sports Networks.

NHL

The National Hockey League, with 10 teams facing the possibility of losing their local television presence if FanDuel Sports Networks shuts down.

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What they’re saying

“We are continuing to work with FanDuel Sports Network to provide fans with the best Blue Jackets game coverage. Our priority always has been making sure our fans have the ability to watch our games and we will be prepared to ensure that continues in the future.”

— Todd Sharrock, Columbus Blue Jackets spokesperson (Forbes)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Main Street Sports Group's potential bankruptcy proceedings will determine the company's fate and the future of FanDuel Sports Networks in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The collapse of the regional sports network model, exacerbated by the exit of MLB teams, highlights the fragility of the current sports media landscape and the potential for significant disruption to fans' ability to access local broadcasts of their favorite NBA and NHL teams.