The Indiana Pacers have become the second NBA team to announce an exclusive local media rights agreement with streaming service DAZN. This deal will move the Pacers' local game broadcasts from the FanDuel Sports Network to a new, Pacers-branded channel on DAZN's platform. The announcement arrives as the team seeks to rebound from a difficult run of form, highlighted by a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
What is the new Indiana Pacers streaming deal?
The Pacers have inked a multi-year partnership with DAZN to air every local game. Most games will be available on a dedicated Pacers streaming channel within the DAZN app, requiring a subscription. However, the team and DAZN are making a significant number of games available for free. Twenty-two regular-season games and four preseason contests will be accessible at no cost through the DAZN app.
Fifteen of those free regular-season games will also be simulcast on over-the-air television in the Indiana market. This hybrid model aims to ensure fans without a subscription can still watch a solid portion of the schedule. It represents a different path from other NBA teams who have recently moved their broadcasts entirely to free, over-the-air channels.
Why did the Pacers choose DAZN?
The Pacers were among twelve NBA teams whose previous local rights deal was with the FanDuel Sports Network. As that arrangement concluded, many of those teams opted for traditional broadcast partnerships. The Pacers, alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves, decided a streaming-first approach with DAZN was the better future.
DAZN is a global sports streaming giant known for its boxing and soccer coverage, but it has been aggressively expanding into North American sports. For the Pacers, this deal offers a direct-to-consumer platform to reach fans digitally, which is increasingly important for younger audiences. The team's management likely sees this as a way to modernize its broadcast distribution and build a stronger digital community.
How does this affect fans watching the games?
Fans in Indiana will need to adapt to a new viewing setup for the upcoming NBA season. Subscribers to DAZN will get access to every Pacers game not nationally televised. The service is available on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. For those unwilling to pay, the 22 free games provide a generous sample of the action.
The simulcast of 15 games on local TV helps bridge the gap for viewers who prefer traditional television. The team has not yet announced which specific games will be free or which local stations will carry the simulcasts. Fans should monitor the team's official website and social media for the full broadcast schedule as the season approaches. You can always check upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What is the team's context heading into the new season?
This broadcasting news comes during an offseason where the Pacers are looking to improve on the court. Their recent form has been challenging. In their last five games, the team's record is 1 win and 4 losses (LLLLW, most recent first). They lost their final four games of that stretch, including the 12-point defeat to the Pistons where they gave up 133 points.
Such defensive struggles will be a primary focus for head coach Rick Carlisle and his staff. The new streaming deal ensures fans will have consistent access to follow the team's progress as they work to fix those issues. While the broadcast partner has changed, the goal remains the same: winning more games and making a push in the Eastern Conference standings. The current roster and injury updates are available on our [squad](/squad) and [injuries](/injuries) pages for those tracking the team's preparation.
The partnership with DAZN is a major shift for Pacers media. It signals the team's commitment to embracing digital trends in sports consumption. How fans respond to the new setup will be one of the interesting stories to watch alongside the team's performance on the perimeter and in the paint next season.
