In a significant move, the Charlotte Hornets have announced plans to air five games free of charge over-the-air television, marking the first time since the 2007-08 season that local audiences can watch their beloved team without a subscription. This initiative is part of a partnership between the Hornets, Gray Media, Capitol Broadcasting, and FanDuel Sports Southeast. The broadcasts will be available across various markets in North and South Carolina through the Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network and other affiliates.

Details of the Broadcast Partnership

In an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts, the Charlotte Hornets are set to make their games more accessible to fans in the Carolinas. On January 23, the team unveiled a collaboration with Gray Media, Capitol Broadcasting, and FanDuel Sports Southeast to simulcast five select matches over-the-air, free of charge. These broadcasts will reach viewers in multiple cities across North and South Carolina via the Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network and additional Gray Media affiliates.

The chosen games include high-profile matchups against formidable opponents such as the Los Angeles Lakers on January 27, the Los Angeles Clippers on January 31, the Milwaukee Bucks on February 5, the Dallas Mavericks on February 27, and the Golden State Warriors on March 3. Notably, the game against the Warriors features hometown hero Stephen Curry, who hails from Charlotte.

In the Charlotte area, fans can catch these games on WSOC-TV Channel 9 and TV 64. Meanwhile, the Raleigh market will receive the broadcasts courtesy of Capitol Broadcasting Company. Shelly Cayette-Weston, the Hornets' president of business operations, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, emphasizing the team's commitment to expanding its fanbase and making their broadcasts more widely available.

From a journalist's perspective, this initiative by the Charlotte Hornets sets a commendable precedent for enhancing accessibility in sports broadcasting. By offering these games free of charge, the team not only strengthens its connection with existing fans but also invites new viewers to experience the excitement of Hornets basketball. This move reflects a broader trend in sports organizations aiming to bridge the gap between teams and their communities through innovative broadcast strategies.