Canes TV? Hurricanes to launch own sports network for 2026-27 season - WRAL

What the report says

WRAL reports that the Carolina Hurricanes plan to create and operate their own sports network for the 2026-27 NHL season, after the collapse of their regional television partner left the team seeking a new local broadcast model. The Stanley Cup champions intend to produce their own game broadcasts and arrange distribution through cable, satellite and streaming platforms, though the network name, channel placement, partners, direct-to-consumer options and pricing have not yet been announced.

According to WRAL, the organization said longtime broadcasters Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy will remain on the telecasts. The Hurricanes open the season Sept. 29 at home against the Florida Panthers. Hurricanes Holdings, led by chief executive Brian Fork, will own and run the network, while the NHL will provide centralized local production services for Carolina and several other teams, including graphics, replay capabilities and pregame, intermission and postgame programming.

The move follows the end of Main Street Sports Group’s operations after the 2025-26 season. Its FanDuel Sports Network predecessors, including Bally and Fox Sports South, had carried Hurricanes games dating back to the franchise’s 1997 move to North Carolina. WRAL notes that the broader regional sports network business has been strained by cord-cutting, ownership changes and bankruptcy proceedings, affecting teams across the NHL, NBA and MLB.

The key unresolved issue is whether the new model can replace traditional regional sports rights fees, which have been important to team revenue. WRAL reports the Hurricanes hope to generate income through distributor license fees, advertising and streaming subscriptions, while also exploring a limited number of over-the-air simulcasts. The launch comes as Carolina is enjoying strong momentum after its second Stanley Cup title, repeated playoff appearances and major arena-area development plans in Raleigh.