Main Street Sports stands on the edge of a shutdown that could reshape how fans watch local games across the country. Everything now hinges on a bid from London‑based DAZN, which is trying to acquire Main Street and its sixteen FanDuel‑branded regional sports networks.
A Crisis Spreading Across the Country
The crisis touches every region where the networks still operate. FanDuel RSNs carry teams across the Midwest, the South, the Mountain West, the Great Lakes, and the West Coast. Pressure grows each day as missed payments ripple through the leagues and force executives to confront the future of local sports broadcasting.
DAZN Sees a Major Opening in the U.S. Market
DAZN views the turmoil as a rare opportunity to enter the U.S. market in a major way. The streamer wants to acquire all sixteen networks and build direct relationships with MLB, the NBA, and the NHL. The move would expand DAZN far beyond combat sports and place it alongside Netflix, Apple, Amazon Prime, and YouTube as a major player in live sports.
Missed Payments Trigger Alarm Across Leagues
The trouble began when Main Street failed to make a December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. The situation escalated on January 6, when thirteen NBA teams did not receive their scheduled rights payments. Those missed payments triggered alarm inside league offices, where executives now warn that the next few weeks will determine the fate of sixteen networks and twenty eight teams.
Shutdown Looms if No Deal Is Reached
The deadline falls between late January and early February. If DAZN and Main Street cannot reach a deal, Main Street plans to shut down after the 2026 NBA and NHL seasons. That collapse would return local rights to many teams for the first time in decades and accelerate a shift that has been building for years.
Leagues Preparing Backup Plans
If the DAZN deal collapses, the leagues have backup plans. The NBA and NHL expect to launch their own streaming services in the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Major League Baseball already controls broadcasts for the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies, and expects to add the Washington Nationals, who broke away from MASN. MLB has told its remaining FanDuel teams that it can take over their broadcasts by spring training.
Experts Say Leagues May Welcome the Shift
Sports media branding expert Jeff Dennis believes the leagues may not fear that outcome.
“Every major U.S. league is working toward a more complete direct to consumer model,” Dennis said. “If teams regain their local rights, leagues like MLB, the NBA, and the NHL could finally bundle local games into their own streaming packages, something they’ve never been able to do under the regional sports network system.”
The Warning Signs Were Always There
The warning signs were visible long before Main Street Sports took control of the former Diamond Sports networks. Diamond’s bankruptcy exposed a system collapsing under the weight of cord cutting, shrinking subscriber revenue, and long term rights deals that no longer matched the economics of modern television.
When Main Street stepped in, it inherited the same broken model, the same debt pressure, and the same unsustainable contracts. In hindsight, the deal may have been doomed from the start. Main Street never had the financial cushion or structural advantages needed to fix a business that had already fallen apart, and the missed payments to the Cardinals and thirteen NBA teams only confirmed what many insiders feared: the RSN model was running out of road.
A Forty‑Year Model Nears Its End
Former Warner Communications executive Frank Carney sees the moment as the end of a long era.
“The regional sports network model we built in the nineteen eighties generated hundreds of millions of dollars and helped fuel ESPN’s national rise through the cable bundle,” Carney said. “But in 2026 that bundle no longer delivers the revenue it once did. Rights deals built on those old economics are now impossible to sustain, and that is why so many regional networks are fighting to survive.”
Some RSNs Remain Strong
Not every RSN is in danger. Team‑owned networks remain stable and insulated from the collapse.
“The team‑owned RSNs aren’t in danger. They stay strong because the teams control the product,” said sports media consultant Bill Jensen.
A Decision That Will Shape the Future
The regions at risk stretch across the country. Midwest fans could lose long standing outlets in Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Ohio, and Minneapolis. Southern markets like Miami, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay face the same uncertainty. Western markets in Los Angeles and San Antonio also hang in the balance.
These networks carry teams that anchor local identity and regional pride, and their disappearance would leave major gaps in the media landscape.
The next few weeks will determine whether DAZN rescues the networks or whether the leagues reclaim local rights. Either outcome will change how millions of fans watch their hometown teams. The regional sports model that dominated for forty years now stands at its final hour, and the industry is preparing for a future that will look very different from its past.
This game might be something similar to the Peach Bowl back in 2022. Remember when Georgia and Ohio State played in that instant classic that ended as the clock struck midnight? After what happened in Los Angeles, roughly 10 days later, left everyone realizing the National Championship had been played in Atlanta. I think that may be a road we are headed down once again, with a clash of titans in Atlanta (Yes, Indiana is a titan). So who wins and how do they do it?
I’m curious to see what form of Dan Lanning we get Friday night. For all of his success he hasn’t been fantastic in big games. He struggled to close out the season in his first year losing 2 of his last 3 when the CFP was in sight. In 2023 he couldn’t beat Washington and last year after beating Ohio State and winning the BIG 10 he got ran out of Pasadena by Ohio State. I’m not saying that he can’t win these games or hasn’t won games like these in the past but his track record hasn’t been fantastic in these moments.
Oregon is thin at running back, with reports coming out that they have moved two defenders to offense to help with the lack of depth at that position. They have 4 running backs out of this game, and Noah Whittington was a late add to the injury report as questionable. Aside from Whittington, the backs available for the Ducks on Friday are Dierre Hill Jr. and Jay Harris (who is transferring). Oregon dealt with injuries all year at receiver, and just when that room starts to get healthy, their running backs start to drop like flies.
All that said, there are still two things I believe/know to be true. The first is that it is hard to beat a good team twice. I know this is cliché and coach speak, but it is absolutely true. The second is, despite all of the injuries Oregon has in its backfield, this is still the best offense that Indiana has seen in a while. The health of that receiver room is big, and they still have probably the best tight end in the country in Kenyon Sadiq. Oh yeah, and their defense is pretty good too.
Notes on Indiana
Everyone has seemingly been waiting for Indiana to be proven fraudulent. To be honest, I am not quite sure why. Alabama was a popular upset pick in the Rose Bowl, and Indiana is now the only team in the 12-team format to not lose after having a bye (teams with a bye in the 12-team CFP format are 1-7). No one picked them against Ohio State (myself included). Oregon was expected to blow them out in Eugene earlier this year. None of that happened, though, and Curt Cignetti and his staff just keep chugging along.
On the Injury front, Indiana has no surprises, unlike Oregon, which had in their backfield. Their kickoff specialist is listed as doubtful, but I think they’ll probably be able to survive that. So Indiana has won the injury report at least. Compared to their last matchup with Oregon, they have had a couple of in-season injuries, specifically along the D-line. So that will be something to watch for tonight. Does that D-line do as good a job against the Oregon O-line as they did in Eugene?
Prediction + Betting Lines
I think this game comes down to the coaching staff more than anything else. These rosters from a talent standpoint are extremely close (although it may not look like it on paper). I would say Oregon definitely drew the short end of the stick when it comes to injuries. I do hope that will not play a factor in the game tonight. The last thing I want to see is an Oregon DB taking a handoff in a CFP Semi-Final game because we cannot get the college football calendar right. (Oregon has multiple running backs in the portal, along with their injuries)
When you look at the two coaching staffs, Indiana’s has been the best in the country all year, and when you pair that with the fact that Tosh Lupoi and Will Stein have been working double duty this week, I definitely give the edge to Indiana on the sidelines and on the field.
Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi has described his involvement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as the realisation of a lifelong dream, as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.
The Hull City centre-back has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers in the tournament so far, featuring in three of the Super Eagles’ four matches.
Alongside Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, Ajayi has built a formidable partnership that has played a key role in Nigeria’s progress to the knockout stages.
Their understanding at the heart of defence was on full display in Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, which produced the Super Eagles’ first clean sheet of the competition.
Speaking exclusively to Sports Talk ahead of Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Algeria, Ajayi admitted that representing the Super Eagles on Africa’s biggest stage still feels surreal.
Born in England, Ajayi grew up with dreams of becoming a professional footballer—but he never imagined reaching this level with Nigeria.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” Ajayi told Sports Talk Florida. “As a young kid growing up, I never even imagined getting one cap for the Super Eagles. Now I just want to get as many as I can.”
The 31-year-old defender has become a vital figure in the squad, and AFCON 2025 marks another important chapter in his international journey.
Ajayi was also part of Nigeria’s squad at AFCON 2023, where the Super Eagles finished runners-up after losing to Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
That disappointment, however, has only strengthened his desire to go one step further this time.
Building a Rock-Solid Defence with Calvin Bassey
One of Nigeria’s biggest strengths at AFCON 2025 has been its defensive organisation, and much of that stability comes from the growing chemistry between Ajayi and Calvin Bassey.
The two centre-backs complement each other well, with Ajayi bringing positional discipline and aerial dominance, while Bassey offers aggression and ball-playing ability.
Together, they have become one of the tournament’s most effective defensive pairings.
“We are improving game by game,” Ajayi continued. “We’ve played a lot of games together, and we have a good understanding of how each other works.
“We’re always pushing each other to be better.”
Their partnership reached a new level in the dominant win over Mozambique, where Nigeria kept a clean sheet while scoring four goals.
It was indeed a performance that underlined Nigeria’s credentials as genuine AFCON title contenders.
“Today was an improvement, and we’re looking to improve again for the next game,” Ajayi added.
When asked to name the toughest opponent Nigeria have faced so far, Ajayi refused to single out one team, stressing that every match has required full focus and commitment.
“Every game gets harder and harder,” the Hull City star said. “The stakes get higher and higher. The concentration needs to be higher and higher.”
Nigeria’s next challenge comes in the form of Algeria and with a place in the semi-finals on the line, Ajayi’s defensive prowess will be crucial in deciding Nigeria’s progress as they aim for a fourth AFCON trophy.
Tampa Bay Rays pinch hiter Nick Fortes rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
The Tampa Bay Rays have officially ended their deal with Main Street Sports, the operator of the FanDuel Sports Network regional channels. The decision follows weeks of financial turmoil, missed payments, and the collapse of Main Street’s proposed sale to DAZN.
The Rays were the final MLB team still aligned with Main Street. Every other club tied to the network had already opted out or prepared to leave. The Rays made their move after receiving confirmation that the DAZN deal was dead.
According to Sports Business Journal reporting summarized by MLB Trade Rumors, the DAZN negotiations “are all but extinguished.” That left the Rays with no viable long‑term broadcast partner under the Main Street umbrella.
Why the Rays Chose to Exit Now
The Rays monitored the situation closely as Main Street’s financial position deteriorated. AP and ESPN reported that nine MLB teams entered 2026 under Main Street contracts. Eight teams terminated their deals earlier this week.
The Rays waited for clarity on the DAZN sale before making their decision. Once the deal collapsed, the Rays determined that staying with Main Street was no longer sustainable.
The club also reviewed the terms DAZN proposed to teams. SBJ reported that DAZN sought a 20 percent rights‑fee reduction, deferred payments into late 2026, and a 50‑50 profit share for next season. Teams rejected those terms, causing the deal to fall apart.
With no buyer in place, the Rays chose to exit.
Manfred: “Fans Will Not Lose Games”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the situation in comments reported by AP and ESPN. “We will not allow fans to lose games,” Manfred said. He emphasized that MLB is prepared to “step in immediately” to protect local broadcasts.
Manfred also said MLB has “contingency plans for every affected market,” including Tampa Bay. He stressed that MLB’s priority is “stability and access for fans.”
Rays Likely Headed to MLB.TV and a Local Broadcast Partner
With Main Street collapsing, the Rays are expected to land on MLB.TV and a local over‑the‑air broadcast partner. ESPN reported that MLB has already begun discussions with local stations in multiple markets.
WUSF/AP noted that MLB used a similar model when the Padres and Diamondbacks lost their RSN partners in 2023. The league produced the broadcasts and distributed them through MLB.TV and local affiliates.
The Rays expect a similar arrangement for 2026.
Could the Rays Return to Main Street? Unlikely
Main Street has told teams that Fubo entered late‑stage talks to buy the company. However, ESPN reported that industry sources “do not believe Fubo is a credible bidder.”
AP described the situation as “chaotic and deteriorating by the hour.” The Rays view a return to Main Street as highly unlikely.
Rays Move Forward With MLB Support
The Rays now join the other eight MLB teams that have left Main Street. MLB will guide the club through the transition and ensure fans continue to receive every game.
As Manfred told AP: “Fans will see their games. That is our commitment.”
Politics8 years ago