British sports streaming powerhouse DAZN is engaged in advanced negotiations to secure a majority stake in Main Street Sports Group, the largest operator of regional sports networks (RSNs) in the United States. They are known for running FanDuel Sports Network. This potential transaction represents a significant push by DAZN to bolster its footprint in the American market, where it has primarily focused on combat sports according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The discussions involve a substantial cash infusion from DAZN into Main Street Sports, aimed at merging the companies’ live-sports streaming platforms. While precise financial details remain undisclosed, an announcement could occur as early as January 2026, provided no major obstacles arise during negotiations.
Main Street Sports Group, which rebranded earlier this year after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as the successor to Diamond Sports Group, reported revenues of approximately $1.3 billion in the previous year. The company operates under the FanDuel Sports Network banner for its consumer-facing channels and direct-to-consumer services, following partnerships with FanDuel and Amazon Prime Video. These alliances have helped stabilize the business post-bankruptcy, reducing its debt burden significantly and enabling renewed agreements with professional sports leagues.
Currently, Main Street Sports holds local broadcasting rights for 29 teams across Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League. This portfolio includes eight MLB teams, 13 NBA franchises, and eight NHL clubs, serving fans through 16 regional networks. The company’s emergence from bankruptcy earlier in 2025 marked a turning point, allowing it to retain key rights despite the broader challenges facing the RSN model amid cord-cutting trends.
The difficulties that led to Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy stemmed from escalating debt and declining traditional pay-TV subscriptions. As consumers shifted toward streaming options, the company struggled to meet obligations under expensive rights agreements with teams. This turmoil affected several franchises, disrupting revenue streams that clubs had relied upon for player acquisitions and operations. For instance, teams like the San Diego Padres faced unexpected shortfalls in broadcasting income, forcing adjustments in financial planning and local game distribution.
In contrast, DAZN has established itself as a dominant force in international sports streaming, with strongholds in markets such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The platform secures premium rights to various high-profile events overseas and has built a niche in the U.S. through exclusive coverage of boxing and mixed martial arts. Earlier this year, DAZN served as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating its capability to handle major global tournaments.
Owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik via Access Industries, DAZN has benefited from substantial investments aimed at worldwide expansion. Recent moves include the acquisition of Australian pay-TV operator Foxtel for more than $2 billion in April 2025, which also granted News Corp a minority stake in DAZN. Under CEO Shay Segev, the company has signaled intentions to pursue an initial public offering while projecting profitability by 2026.
A successful deal with Main Street Sports would enable DAZN to incorporate the latter’s direct-to-consumer streaming app into its global platform, fostering synergies in content delivery and programming collaboration. This integration could enhance user experiences by combining DAZN’s international offerings with Main Street’s localized U.S. team coverage, potentially attracting a broader subscriber base in a competitive streaming landscape.
The potential merger underscores ongoing consolidation in the sports media sector, as traditional broadcasters and streamers vie for premium live content amid shifting viewer habits. For U.S. sports fans, particularly those reliant on regional networks for local games, the outcome could reshape access to NBA, NHL, and MLB contests, emphasizing direct streaming over cable bundles.
As negotiations progress, the deal highlights DAZN’s aggressive strategy to bridge its international dominance with deeper penetration into the lucrative American market, where regional sports remain a cornerstone of fan engagement.
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