Main Street Sports, the now-defunct operator of a portfolio of regional sports networks, has filed separate lawsuits against Comcast and Charter Communications in Delaware Superior Court, alleging that the two largest pay TV providers in the United States breached their contracts and failed to pay full licensing fees earlier this year.
According to the legal filings reviewed by CNBC, the underpayment occurred during the period when Main Street’s networks were actively distributing NBA and NHL games to local markets nationwide. The company claims it is owed additional compensation for the content it provided during this timeframe. Representatives from both Comcast and Charter declined to provide immediate comment on the allegations.
Main Street Sports has experienced significant turbulence in recent years following its evolution through multiple ownership structures and corporate reorganizations since 2019. The company emerged from bankruptcy protection in early 2025 under the FanDuel Sports Network brand and operated approximately 15 channels that distributed games for roughly 30 teams across Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the National Basketball Association. Despite reporting subscriber growth momentum as recently as the spring, the organization continued to contend with substantial liquidity challenges, particularly when payments for MLB rights became due.
The company’s difficulties reflect broader structural challenges affecting the regional sports network industry. The ongoing shift toward cord-cutting has fundamentally altered the financial dynamics of the sector, prompting pay TV distributors to renegotiate terms with content providers. Main Street’s final MLB broadcasts occurred last year, though it successfully delivered the complete NBA regular season along with the entire NHL regular season and opening playoff round during the current year before commencing its planned shutdown.
Regional sports networks have historically served as high-value properties for teams and leagues, with licensing fees flowing directly into team payrolls. However, the erosion of traditional pay TV subscribers has reshaped the landscape significantly, with some independent regional networks now pursuing alternative distribution channels such as direct streaming partnerships.
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