The Charlotte Hornets have a new local broadcast partner. WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will carry Hornets games starting this fall.
What We Know: Cox Media Group’s WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 become the new over-the-air home for Hornets basketball beginning in October. The stations will air all non-nationally televised regular-season games, plus pregame and postgame coverage. WSOC airs a 30-minute schedule release show Thursday night, following the league’s schedule announcement earlier that day. Games will also stream via Spectrum, the team’s preferred partner, and appear on several other carriage providers.
What They Said: Charlotte Hornets Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston: “Our fans are the most passionate and loyal in the NBA. They deserve every opportunity to watch and connect with Hornets basketball. We’re very excited to be on WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 this upcoming season. Building on the tremendous success of last season’s simulcasts, which expanded our reach, increased viewership and made it easier for more fans to watch. This partnership with Cox Media Group is about serving our life-long Hornets fans, the many new fans that are moving to our market every day as well as developing the next generation of future Hornets fans.”
Cox Media Group Charlotte’s Vice President and General Manager Cedric Thomas: “The Hornets are one of our community’s most recognizable and beloved organizations. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving viewers across the Carolinas. Together, we’re giving more fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Hornets basketball. Strengthening our connection with the communities we both serve.”
What Remains Unclear: The exact game-by-game broadcast schedule hasn’t been released yet. According to the release, a direct-to-consumer streaming platform is also upcoming. Though no launch date or details have surfaced so far. Sports Business Journal is reporting DAZN will be involved for a DTC option.
What It Means: This deal builds on two prior seasons of simulcast partnerships between the Hornets and Cox Media Group. Consequently, it signals a deeper investment in local visibility. Meanwhile, expanded access could strengthen fan engagement across the Carolinas ahead of further market announcements. This is only a one year agreement however. The one-year deal is purposeful because it allows the Hornets to join the league’s expected centralized broadcast hub for the 2027-28 season.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.