Hornets Ditch Cable: Free TV Broadcasts Return in 2026-27
Charlotte Hornets Find New TV Home: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026-27 Broadcast Deal
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite TV show suddenly disappearing from your usual channel. That’s what happened to Charlotte Hornets fans when their previous TV partner shut down. But good news! The team has found a new — and better — home for the 2026-27 season.
Starting this October, you can watch every Hornets game (that isn’t on national TV) for free over the air on two local channels: WSOC-TV Channel 9 and TV64.
Why This Change Happened
The Problem: The Old Channel Closed Down
- The Hornets used to air games on FanDuel Sports Southeast (formerly Bally Sports).
- The company that owned it, Main Street Sports Groups, shut down its NBA and NHL regional networks after the 2025-26 season.
- This left the Hornets without a TV partner — and fans without a way to watch.
The Solution: A Local Partner Steps Up
- Cox Media Group — a big media company that owns local TV stations — signed a one-year deal with the Hornets.
- They’ll broadcast games on WSOC (Channel 9) and TV64, stations many Charlotte viewers already get for free with an antenna.
IMPORTANT POINT
This is not a cable-only channel. You do not need a cable subscription to watch. If you have an antenna, you can tune in for free!
What This Means for Fans
More Games, Easier Access
- All non-national regular-season games will air on WSOC or TV64.
- No more blackouts or confusing streaming logins for local viewers.
- Pregame and postgame shows included — plus extra Hornets content.
Available on More Platforms Than Ever
Even if you don’t use an antenna, you can still watch on:
- Cable/Satellite: Spectrum, AT&T U-verse, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, DISH Network
- Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV
IMPORTANT POINT
The Hornets say this is a "major step toward greater accessibility, stronger fan engagement and broader regional reach." In plain English: More people can watch, more easily.
What’s Still Being Worked On
The deal is signed, but a few details are still in progress:
- Beloved commentators — The team is finalizing plans to bring back Eric Collins (play-by-play) and Dell Curry (color commentator).
- Regional coverage — Figuring out which channels will carry games in other parts of North and South Carolina.
- Direct-to-consumer streaming — A standalone streaming option (like NBA League Pass but just for Hornets) is in the works for fans who want to watch without cable or an antenna.
IMPORTANT POINT
Hornets executive Mike Behan said: "We want to meet those fans where they are… we will have a direct-to-consumer option available."
Translation: A Hornets-only streaming app is coming soon.
What the Leaders Are Saying
Mike Behan, Hornets Chief Business & Revenue Officer
"We evaluated a lot of different options… We simulcast games last year. We saw great success with that… We’re excited about continuing forward and providing a solution for our fans — all fans — to be able to watch our Hornets’ games over the air."
Cedric Thomas, Cox Media Group VP & General Manager
"This partnership over the last couple years with the simulcast games has been incredible… to be able to extend that and give more games free over-the-air has been exciting for us. Our team is super excited."
Summary: What You Need to Remember
| What’s Changing | When | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| All local Hornets games move to free over-the-air TV | October 2026 (start of 2026-27 season) | WSOC-TV Channel 9 & TV64 |
| Also on cable & major streaming apps | Same time | Spectrum, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, DISH, etc. |
| Pregame/postgame shows + extra content | Included | Same channels |
| Streaming-only option | Coming later | Details TBA |
Bottom line: Watching the Hornets just got easier, cheaper, and more reliable.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I need cable to watch Hornets games next season?
No! Games will air free over the air on WSOC (Channel 9) and TV64. All you need is a TV antenna.
What if I live outside Charlotte?
The team is still finalizing which stations will carry games in other parts of North and South Carolina. Stay tuned — they’ll announce details before the season starts.
Will Eric Collins and Dell Curry be back?
Very likely. The Hornets say they’re “finalizing details” to bring them back. Both have been fan favorites for years.
Is there a Hornets-only streaming app coming?
Yes. A direct-to-consumer streaming option is in development for fans who want to watch without cable or an antenna. More info coming soon.
Why only a one-year deal?
The Hornets and Cox Media Group agreed to a one-year partnership to start. This gives both sides flexibility to adjust or expand in the future — especially as streaming options grow.
Final Thought
The Hornets’ new TV deal is a win for fans. No more expensive cable packages just to watch your team. No more blackouts. Just turn on your TV — or fire up your favorite streaming app — and enjoy the game.
Go Hornets!