The NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans today announced a new media rights deal with Gray Media to broadcast all non-nationally televised games locally via free over-the-air television. The agreement will start with the upcoming 2024-25 season. The distribution agreement with Gray Media will make Pelicans games available to nearly 7 million viewers throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
The partnership with Gray Media offers Pelicans fans access to watch live games and other team content on free, over-the-air local television. Fans in the broadcast territory will be able to watch all non-exclusive nationally televised Pelicans games on an over-the-air Gray Media local channel or on the soon-to-be launched Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network in Louisiana (Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport); Mississippi (Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson, and Meridian); and Alabama (Mobile).
“This partnership with Gray Media represents our commitment to our fans, community, and partners across Louisiana and the Gulf South,” said Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson in a release. “Our focus has been to make Pelicans games accessible to as many fans as possible, and this deal means that Pelicans games will now be available to millions of more fans with this free, over-the-air broadcast product.”
“Providing the best overall fan experience and accessibility to the team remains our No.1 priority,” said Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha. “This new media deal delivers Pelicans coverage to a much larger audience throughout Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast. We are thrilled to partner with Gray Media to bring premier access and unique team content to our fans.”
“Gray Media is incredibly fortunate to broaden a long-time partnership with Gayle Benson, Dennis Lauscha and the entire Pelicans and Saints organization,” said Pat LaPlatney, President & Co-CEO, Gray Media. “We are beyond excited to bring the New Orleans Pelicans games to our viewers across Louisiana, Mississippi and southern Alabama!”
“We’re thrilled with this partnership and the ability to connect our loyal viewers with Pelicans fans across the Gulf South,” said Sandy Breland, COO, Gray Media. “There’s so much excitement around the team, and now fans across the Gulf South can share in that excitement through free over-the-air television or through any basic cable, satellite service, or streaming provider that carries the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network.”
Pelicans games will also be available to stream to audiences inside the team’s broadcast territory. The streaming platform, which will be Pelicans-branded, will offer fans the ability to watch every available Pelicans game alongside the over-the-air broadcast on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or Smart TV, plus access to original team content and behind-the-scenes footage.
