News Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers have confirmed a broadcasting agreement with FanDuel Sports Network for the next two NBA seasons. The deal includes changes in the broadcast team and upgrades to production elements aimed at enhancing viewer engagement. With a strong local rating last season, Cavaliers games will be accessible through multiple platforms, including streaming options. This partnership aligns with a broader trend in sports media, catering to evolving audience preferences as the team prepares for another competitive NBA season.
Cleveland – Cleveland Cavaliers games will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network for the next two seasons, specifically the 2025-26 and 2026-27 NBA seasons. This decision follows a two-year contract extension signed in May, solidifying the Cavaliers’ partnership with the network.
Significant broadcast changes have been implemented as part of the new deal. Cayleigh Griffin will serve as the host for only the home game broadcasts, while also joining the Minnesota Timberwolves’ broadcast team for select road games. Sideline reporter Serena Winters will tackle pregame, halftime, and postgame hosting duties for road broadcasts, maintaining her role as the in-game reporter for all matches. Former Cavaliers player Iman Shumpert is set to make appearances on select studio shows alongside Austin Carr and Daniel “Boobie” Gibson.
The broadcast team retains much of its existing structure, including John Michael as the play-by-play announcer and Brad Daugherty as the lead analyst. Austin Carr’s role will primarily concentrate on pregame, halftime, and postgame segments, ensuring consistency in the broadcast team even with the changes.
As part of this shift, FanDuel is enhancing its production elements, rolling out upgraded graphics, real-time data integration, and new 3D visuals specifically for regional broadcasts. These enhancements aim to engage viewers more effectively, tapping into the changing preferences of modern NBA fans. Veteran ESPN executive Norby Williamson is now in charge of overseeing production at FanDuel Sports Network.
Last season, the Cavaliers ranked first in local ratings among NBA teams, demonstrating their strong fan engagement. A notable 2.1 local rating was recorded for a preseason game, indicating continued viewer interest. Fans will have multiple options to access the games, as broadcasts will be available through traditional cable and satellite providers, as well as streaming platforms, including FanDuel’s app and Prime Video. Options for subscriptions will include monthly, annual, or the purchase of individual games on various connected devices.
The Cavaliers will continue their partnership with iHeartMedia through 2027, which will expand their media presence across new stations, including SportsRadio 99.1. These developments reflect a broader trend in sports broadcasting that seeks to cater to evolving fan consumption habits, which increasingly favor streaming platforms, podcasts, and mobile apps.
Additionally, the Cavaliers Live studio program will now air only 30 minutes before home games, with road broadcasts eliminated, streamlining their pregame coverage. Griffin’s role with the Timberwolves broadcast team was officially announced on September 25, signifying a strategic expansion of her broadcasting prowess.
The upcoming season also aligns with the NBA’s new media rights deal, involving major networks like NBC and Amazon Prime, indicating the league’s commitment to adapting to the modern sports media landscape. With impressive performance during the 2024-25 season, where the Cavaliers clinched a 64-18 record and the first seed in the Eastern Division, expectations remain high for the upcoming season. To bolster their roster, the Cavaliers also acquired Lonzo Ball, looking to enhance their competitive edge.
Overall, these changes mark a significant transition for the Cavaliers and their broadcasting approach as they strive to maintain a leading position in fan engagement and viewership moving into the new NBA seasons.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: FanDuel Adjusts Cavaliers Studio Team for New NBA Season
- Goal.com: Cleveland Cavaliers TV Stream Schedule
- NBA.com: Cavaliers Over-the-Air Games Release
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland Cavaliers
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