The Cleveland Cavaliers have struck a historic deal to bring 15 regular-season games back to free, over-the-air television for the 2026-27 NBA season. This partnership with Gray Media and DAZN marks a major shift in accessibility for fans across Ohio and beyond. The team looks to reconnect with its fanbase after a tough playoff exit, which ended with a 93-130 loss to the New York Knicks on May 26, 2026.
The 15-game package is a simulcast of the Cavaliers' DAZN subscription offering. Games will air locally in Cleveland on Gray Media's WOIO (CBS 19) and WUAB (MyNet 43). They'll also be broadcast statewide on the Rock Entertainment Sports Network. Gray stations in other markets like Cincinnati, Lima, and Parkersburg, West Virginia will carry the games too. The network is a collaboration between Gray Media and the Rock Entertainment Group, which owns the Cavaliers, Cleveland Sirens, Cleveland Monsters, and Cleveland Charge. Gray will also seek additional third-party broadcasters to expand coverage further.
Chris Conroy, the General Manager of WOIO/WUAB, said the partnership is a win for local viewers. "We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Cavaliers and DAZN to bring world-class basketball straight to our viewers’ living rooms completely free of charge," Conroy stated. "Local sports belong on local television, and this historic agreement delivers for Cavs fans." WUAB has a deep sports history, including past broadcasts of Cavaliers games and Cleveland Indians baseball.
This move triples the number of free, over-the-air games available compared to recent seasons. It directly addresses fan demand for easier access to watch their team. Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, emphasized the fan-centric approach. "In partnership with Gray and DAZN, we’ve built the most enhanced and accessible broadcast ecosystem we’ve had in years," Barlage said. "Our fans are at the core of every decision we make."
The deal ensures live Cleveland Cavaliers basketball joins a powerhouse free-TV sports lineup. WOIO and WUAB already feature the Cleveland Browns, Columbus Blue Jackets hockey, college football, NCAA March Madness, and The Masters. Matt Moran, Senior Operating Officer for Gray Media, called it a "forward-thinking approach to serving local sports fans." He highlighted the expanded collaboration with the Cavaliers and DAZN to deliver premium content.
The broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 season includes key matchups. It starts with the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting Cleveland on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. On WUAB. A road game against the Atlanta Hawks follows on Thursday, October 29. November features a home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, November 2, airing on both WOIO and WUAB.
High-profile Saturday night games include the Dallas Mavericks on November 14 and the Golden State Warriors on December 12. A Friday night matchup against the Detroit Pistons is set for December 18. The schedule continues into the new year, providing consistent free viewing options. Fans can plan their viewing around these dates and check our [fixtures](/fixtures) page for the complete team schedule.
This broadcasting initiative comes as the Cavaliers aim to build momentum after a challenging playoff series. Their recent form in the 2026 postseason showed one win and four losses in their last five games (LLLLW). They lost their final four contests, including consecutive defeats to the New York Knicks: 108-121 on May 24, 109-93 on May 22, and 115-104 on May 20. Their sole victory in that stretch was a 125-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on May 18.
Increasing free TV access is a strategic move to strengthen the bond with supporters during this period. It guarantees more fans can watch the team's progress without a paywall. The partnership with Gray Media and DAZN represents a significant investment in the local fan experience. It sets a new standard for how NBA teams can engage with their home markets through traditional and collaborative media networks.
