The Charlotte Hornets have a new free over-the-air television home. Starting this fall, every non-nationally televised Hornets game will be broadcast on WSOC Channel 9 or TV64. This major deal, announced Wednesday, marks a significant expansion of the team's partnership with the Cox Media Group stations.
What is the new TV deal for the Charlotte Hornets?
The Charlotte Hornets and Cox Media Group Charlotte have finalized a comprehensive broadcast agreement. WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will be the exclusive free over-the-air homes for all Hornets games not shown on national networks like ESPN or TNT. This partnership is an expansion from the 2025-2026 season, where the stations aired several select games. Now, coverage becomes season-long and comprehensive for the local market.
Cedric Thomas, Vice President and General Manager of Cox Media Group Charlotte, expressed strong enthusiasm for the deal. "We're incredibly proud to expand our partnership with the Charlotte Hornets and become the season-long free over-the-air home for Hornets basketball," Thomas said. He highlighted the Hornets as one of the community's most recognizable and beloved organizations, noting a shared commitment to serving viewers across North and South Carolina.
Why does this TV deal matter for fans?
This agreement fundamentally changes how most fans in the Carolinas will watch the Hornets. It removes the barrier of a paid cable or streaming subscription for local viewers. Anyone with a digital antenna can now access the games for free. This dramatically increases the potential audience and makes following the team more accessible, especially for families and casual fans. It's a direct investment in the team's local fanbase.
For a team looking to grow its support, widespread availability is key. Fans can now easily watch young stars develop and follow the team's quest for improvement. You can track the Hornets' progress throughout the season by checking their upcoming schedule and current standings. The move also provides a stable, high-quality broadcast platform for years to come, ensuring consistent coverage.
What is the current context for the Hornets?
The television announcement arrives at an interesting time for the franchise's on-court narrative. Building consistency will be the next challenge for the squad.
This new TV deal means more eyes will be on the team as they attempt to string together wins and climb the Eastern Conference ladder. Increased visibility could help bolster home-court advantage and engage a new generation of fans. The organization has not yet released the full broadcast schedule, but WSOCTV.com will be the place to find it once it is announced. For now, the focus is on a future where Hornets basketball is just a channel click away for millions.