Cleveland Cavaliers' DAZN-only local broadcast deal draws criticism over fan accessibility
The Cleveland Cavaliers are airing games exclusively on DAZN for the 2026-2027 NBA season, with no linear television option available to local fans. The cost of a DAZN season pass reportedly exceeds the price of the NBA's full League Pass package, making the Cavaliers the least accessible team in the league for local viewers, according to the report. Radio host Ken Carman of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland expressed frustration with the arrangement, arguing that many fans will simply stop following the team rather than pay for another exclusive streaming service. The NBA is reportedly working on a centralized local broadcast hub that could launch as soon as next season.
It's bad for me, it's bad for the team, it's bad for the fanbase, it's bad for what we do.
Why it matters
For brands: Sponsors and advertisers tied to Cavaliers broadcasts face a smaller local audience under a streaming-only model.
For media: Local sports media covering the Cavaliers must now reckon with a fragmented and potentially shrinking viewer base.
For athletes: Cavaliers players' local visibility and marketability may be reduced if fewer fans can access games.
Read the full story at Awful Announcing
Sources
- Awful Announcing · Matt Yoder: Ken Carman rips Cavs over TV deal: ‘It’s bad for the fanbase’