Deal structure and pricing
The Cleveland Cavaliers and DAZN announced a multi-year partnership on Sept. 1 under which DAZN becomes the direct-to-consumer home for all Cavaliers games not selected for exclusive national broadcast, along with preseason contests and team-produced original programming beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season, including preseason on Oct. 8. Cleveland becomes the second of 13 NBA teams displaced by the bankruptcy of Main Street Sports Group to sign a streaming-only local deal, following Minnesota on July 30. All NBA games continue to be distributed nationally through a separate 11-year deal with Disney/ESPN, Peacock/NBC Sports and Prime Video. Four subscription tiers are available: a $19.99 monthly pass, a $24.99 monthly ultimate pass, a $119.99 season pass and a $139.99 annual ultimate season pass, with the ultimate options including multiview, downloads, alternate angles and feeds, and a one-time 15% discount at Cavs.com/shop.
Production and technology
As part of the agreement, the Cavaliers will move game production in-house through Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN), its Emmy Award-winning studio. The live streams will feature predictive AI, data-driven visual overlays and mixed- and augmented-reality elements, with production expanding from six to 19 cameras, including Cosm's ultra-high resolution 10.5K systems for sweeping perspectives and new angles. Subscribers can customize their viewing experience with alternative broadcasts or build their own multi-view setup within the DAZN app. Play-by-play announcer John Michael, analyst Brad Daugherty, reporter Serena Winters and pre- and postgame host Cayleigh Griffin will all remain on the live streams.
Distribution and access
DAZN will enable fans to access games, programming and exclusive content across smart TVs, mobile devices, web browsers, game consoles and partner streaming platforms. The subscription includes a weekly show and extended game highlights, while all full-season and half-season Cavs United and Foundation Members will receive a complimentary subscription to Cavaliers on DAZN this season. As part of the partnership's commitment to expanding access, 15 games this season will be available free of charge on DAZN and simulcast locally over-the-air, with details about the simulcast schedule and partner to be communicated later.
Leadership and strategic context
Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena, called the investment in the platform "a fan-centric destination that enriches the experience." Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, framed the agreement within the company's U.S. growth strategy, calling the Cavaliers "exactly the kind of forward-thinking partner we want to build with as we expand our local sports offering." DAZN, which reportedly has 20 million paid subscribers worldwide, is establishing a local-sports foothold that now extends to at least two former Main Street Sports Group markets ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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