The Orlando Magic and Gray Media have finalized a major broadcast agreement that will air about 70 regular-season NBA games across three Florida markets starting with the 2026-27 season. This deal ensures fans in Gainesville, Panama City, and Tallahassee can watch the Magic free over-the-air, a move announced as the team looks to rebound from a recent 116-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons on May 3, 2026.
What is the new Orlando Magic broadcast deal?
The partnership places Magic games on Gray Media's over-the-air channels WTGB Gainesville (ch. 34.3), WJHG Panama City (ch. 7.6), and WCTV Tallahassee (ch. 6.3). Every regular-season game not exclusive to a national network will be available on these stations, which are part of the 365BLK network and local cable systems.
Select matchups will also be broadcast on Gray's ABC, NBC, CBS, and MyNetwork TV stations in those same areas. A complete station lineup and the full broadcast schedule will be released at a later date. The team also confirmed plans to announce a direct-to-consumer streaming partner soon, giving fans more ways to follow the action.
Why does this deal matter for Magic fans?
This agreement directly addresses fan access in key Florida regions. Charlie Freeman, the Magic's president of business operations, said the partnership provides a "direct connection to the team all season long." For supporters, it means reliable, free access to nearly the entire NBA schedule without needing a premium cable or streaming subscription.
The broadcast team remains familiar, with Dante Marchitelli returning for full-time play-by-play duties. He'll again be joined by former Magic forward Jeff Turner as analyst. Kendra Douglas enters her fourth season as the team reporter, ensuring consistent coverage. You can track the team's progress throughout the season on our [stats](/stats) page.
What is the team's context heading into this new deal?
The announcement comes as the Magic work to build momentum. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games (LLLWW), having lost their last three consecutive contests. Building a wider and more engaged fan base through expanded TV access could help energize support as they aim to improve.
Sandy Breland, Gray's chief operating officer, highlighted the value for local fans, stating they "will love watching the full season of the Magic free, over-the-air." Gray Media has other successful NBA partnerships and sees this as a foundation for future growth with the franchise. Fans can watch for the official schedule to plan their viewing around the team's [fixtures](/fixtures).
This strategic move by the Magic's front office secures vital local television exposure for the foreseeable future. It locks in a primary broadcast home for the majority of their games in these markets, a key piece of infrastructure as the organization continues to develop. The focus now shifts to on-court performance to give these new and existing viewers plenty to cheer about.
