DAZN Targets U.S. Regional Sports Rights with New Team Streaming Deals

The collapse of Main Street Sports Group left numerous MLB, NHL and NBA franchises searching for new distribution partners, creating an opening that DAZN chose to fill. Senior Vice President Zander Berlinski called the moment an "opportunistic point" for the streaming service, which has built a large international subscriber base but has not previously held U.S. team rights. DAZN's first domestic agreements are a multi-year streaming deal with MSG Networks covering the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and Sabres, and a similar arrangement with YES Network for the Yankees and Nets, ending the use of the Gotham Sports App.

A day later the company secured exclusive one outlet's broadcast rights for the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking its first team-specific contract. Berlinski said DAZN will offer real-time stats, chat, polling and alternate feeds—including betting-focused casts—and will launch a "Freemium" tier that places fifteen live games before a paywall. To overcome low brand awareness, DAZN plans a large marketing spend and will provide partners with promotional assets, aiming to become a stable alternative as regional sports networks destabilize.