Gray Media has entered into a partnership with Tegna and DAZN to simulcast 15 Minnesota Timberwolves games for free over-the-air across four markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The initiative utilizes digital subchannels and primary network affiliates to expand local access to live sports alongside the DAZN streaming platform.
This agreement highlights the ongoing shift toward hybrid distribution models where broadcasters use digital subchannels to reclaim local sports rights previously locked in cable RSN contracts. By partnering with DAZN and Tegna, Gray Media is positioning over-the-air signals as a critical reach vehicle that complements rather than replaces subscription streaming. This move addresses the fragmentation of local sports viewership by lowering the barrier to entry for casual fans in mid-sized markets. The industry should monitor if this 15-game trial leads to expanded multi-year broadcast commitments for other NBA franchises facing RSN uncertainty.
The Gray Media Timberwolves simulcast is part of a broader DAZN strategy to pair its streaming platform with local broadcast partners for NBA coverage. In a parallel announcement on the same day, the Memphis Grizzlies and WATN/ABC24 expanded their partnership with DAZN to simulcast 15 regular-season games free over the air in the Memphis market during the 2026-27 season, following the same model Gray Media is deploying in Minnesota and Wisconsin. DAZN serves as the exclusive local broadcast home for Timberwolves basketball across Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, with partial coverage extending into Kansas and Wisconsin.
Gray Media's agreement builds on an existing relationship between the Timberwolves and Tegna's KARE 11. This marks the third consecutive season that KARE 11 and the Timberwolves have partnered for over-the-air broadcasts, with the new Gray Media deal extending reach beyond the Twin Cities into secondary markets. The simulcasts carry DAZN's full game production, featuring a broadcast team that includes Kevin Calabro, Jon Sciambi, Michael Grady, Alan Horton, Jim Petersen, Meghan McPeak, Marney Gellner, Rebekkah Brunson, and Parker Fox. KARE 11 president and general manager Doug Wieder noted the deal gives fans across the region unprecedented access to the team.
Gray Media is distributing the games through its North Star Sports & Entertainment Network on digital subchannels in three of the four markets, with KXLT 47.2 in Rochester, KBJR 6.3 in Duluth, and KEYC 7.3 in Mankato carrying the broadcasts. In the La Crosse-Eau Claire market, games air on CW affiliate WECX 14.1, with select games also appearing on Gray's primary network affiliates across ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. The team and its broadcast partners plan to promote the over-the-air package with player and coach interviews, appearances, and supplemental programming including a show called Timberwolves Extra on KARE 11.
Gray Media is partnering with Tegna and DAZN to simulcast 15 Minnesota Timberwolves games on free over-the-air television. This initiative utilizes digital subchannels and primary network affiliates to expand local access in Minnesota and Wisconsin, highlighting a growing industry shift toward hybrid distribution models that complement subscription streaming services.
A total of 15 Minnesota Timberwolves games will be simulcast for free over-the-air as part of this new partnership.
The broadcasts will reach viewers in Rochester, Duluth, Mankato, and the La Crosse-Eau Claire market.
DAZN retains streaming rights for non-nationally blackouts games and provides the full game production for the over-the-air simulcasts.
While many games will air on digital subchannels like the North Star Sports & Entertainment Network, select games will shift to primary ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox affiliates to maximize reach.
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