Main Street Sports Group is preparing to shut down operations, setting the stage for major disruption across the local sports television landscape. According to the Sports Business Journal, the company will cease operations following the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The move follows months of financial instability and missed payments to team partners.
In addition, SBJ says the NBA recently informed its affected franchises that partial reimbursement for unpaid rights fees could be coming. Those payments, tied to a complex settlement process, may return a significant portion of lost revenue to teams.
The impending closure impacts 13 NBA franchises and a number of NHL franchises as well. With their current agreements dissolving, those organizations are now free to explore new local media rights deals beginning next season. As a result, the market is expected to open rapidly. Teams are weighing a mix of traditional over-the-air broadcasts, regional sports networks, and direct-to-consumer streaming options.
Some may even launch in-house platforms.
Meanwhile, the NBA has encouraged teams to pursue short-term agreements. One-year deals, or contracts with exit clauses, offer flexibility as the league evaluates launching a national streaming platform as early as the 2027-28 season.
Streaming services are already positioning themselves aggressively. Platforms such as DAZN and Victory+ have reportedly engaged teams about local rights packages. Notably, some franchises are considering a streaming-only approach, which would mark a first for the NBA. Several NHL teams have already tested direct-to-consumer distribution without relying heavily on traditional linear television.
At the same time, larger digital players are monitoring the situation. Companies like YouTube TV and Amazon could emerge as contenders for a future league-wide streaming solution. For now, uncertainty remains.
Many teams delayed negotiations in recent months while Main Street attempted to secure new investment or a potential sale. Those efforts ultimately fell short, leaving franchises scrambling to finalize new distribution plans.
Inside the company, the transition is already underway. Numerous employees have exited, while others are expected to remain temporarily to assist with the wind-down process. Despite the instability, the NBA and NHL seasons will conclude under existing broadcast arrangements. Beyond that, however, the industry appears headed for a significant reset.
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