The Portland Trail Blazers have announced that they will broadcast most of their local games for free on over-the-air television for the first time in franchise history. This exciting development comes as part of a new multiyear agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group, which will see games aired on Sinclair’s ABC affiliate KATU (Channel 2) and Spanish-language Univision affiliate KUNP (Channel 16) in the Portland metro area.
The decision to return to free broadcast TV marks a significant shift for the Trail Blazers, who recently ended their contract with Root Sports Northwest. This move is aimed at making the games more accessible to fans, especially those who may not have access to cable or streaming services. Dewayne Hankins, the team’s president of business operations, emphasized the importance of this decision for the fans:
“We’ve put our fans first and started a new chapter, making it easier than ever to enjoy Trail Blazers basketball”.
The new broadcast arrangement, known as the Rip City Television Network, will extend beyond Portland. Fans in Eugene, Medford, the Yakima/Pasco region, and even Seattle will be able to catch the games on various Sinclair affiliates. This expansion significantly increases the team’s reach, allowing more fans to engage with the Trail Blazers.
In addition to free broadcasts, the Trail Blazers are launching BlazerVision, a paid direct-to-consumer streaming platform. Available to viewers in Oregon and Washington, BlazerVision will offer live game broadcasts, on-demand replays, classic games, and other exclusive content. Subscriptions are priced at $120 for the full season or $19.99 per month, with special perks for early subscribers and season ticket holders.
