The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for the 2026-27 NBA season with a projected win total of 48.5 games, alongside significant changes in local media rights and broadcasting partnerships.
This season marks a transition for fans as DAZN becomes the exclusive home for local streaming of Timberwolves games, replacing traditional regional sports networks. This shift has implications for viewing habits and the financial landscape for supporters following star players like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a projected win total of 48.5 games. This season is accompanied by a significant overhaul of local media rights and broadcasting partnerships across Minnesota. The partnership with DAZN, announced on July 30, 2026, designates DAZN as the exclusive home for local streaming, replacing traditional regional sports networks. This change is expected to alter viewing habits and create new financial considerations for fans tracking the team throughout the campaign.
Fans will need to pay $20 per month or $120 for the entire season to access Timberwolves games through DAZN. Despite this digital expansion, the franchise ranks 28th in local broadcast accessibility. Analysts note that paywalls may pose challenges for traditional television viewers who are accustomed to free over-the-air local broadcasts in the past.
To facilitate the transition, the Timberwolves have partnered with KARE 11 for the third consecutive season. This collaboration ensures that 26 games will be available to watch over-the-air for free, including 15 broadcasts on KARE 11 and 11 games airing nationally on NBC or ABC networks.
Michael Grady and Jim Petersen will return to provide commentary for the broadcasts, bringing familiarity to fans as the team navigates a competitive Western Conference landscape. This season, the Timberwolves will also rely on their basketball operations staff, including key figures such as Benny Hughes, Leo Sun, Matthew Harren, and Troy Asseln, who are instrumental in shaping the franchise's infrastructure.
Opening night will kick off an 82-game schedule designed to test the squad's depth and resilience. The management aims for growth beyond previous milestones as the team pursues a deep postseason run, with the guidance of the coaching staff and front office executives. The upcoming season presents an exciting opportunity for Timberwolves fans to engage with their team in new ways, despite the challenges posed by the changing media landscape.
As the Timberwolves prepare for the new season, fans are eager to see how these changes will impact their viewing experience and the team's performance on the court.