Overview
- DIRECTV and DAZN announced a multi-year distribution agreement on Monday that delivers local telecasts for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs to DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers in each team’s home territory.
- The broadcasts are being carried on specific DIRECTV channels (for example, the Cavaliers are on channel 660) and will also be available in thousands of bars, restaurants, gyms and other commercial venues through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS.
- DIRECTV said customers who get these teams through DIRECTV (Choice package or higher on DIRECTV and U200+ on U-verse) will be able to log in to the DAZN platform at no extra cost using their DIRECTV credentials in the coming weeks, giving both live linear access and streaming access.
- The agreement resolves immediate availability problems for in-market fans who previously needed DAZN season passes to watch these teams, but it leaves open whether DAZN’s original exclusive rights fees will be adjusted or if fans who already paid for DAZN will get refunds.
- The move highlights a broader industry shift as teams and distributors rebalance pay-for-streaming deals against reach on traditional platforms, and it could prompt more sublicensing or linear carriage talks for other locally held digital rights.