#United States #FanDuel Sports #Blue Jackets #Minnesota Wild #Columbus, Minnesota

Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild Extend Media Rights Agreements with FanDuel Sports Network

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild have officially extended their media rights agreements with Main Street Sports Group, which operates the FanDuel Sports Network, a prominent name in local sports media. This renewal stands as a significant move to bolster fan access and engagement, especially promising innovations in local sports coverage.

A New Era of Fan Engagement

With the growth of digital platforms and sports consumption habits changing, Main Street Sports Group has positioned itself as a leader in local sports media. Currently, they hold the largest amount of local sports media rights and are growing rapidly. The recent agreements with the Blue Jackets and the Wild focus on enhancing the connectivity and access fans have to their favorite teams.

David DeVoe, the President of Main Street Sports Group, expressed enthusiasm regarding these agreements, saying, "We are excited to deepen our relationships with the Blue Jackets and Wild, providing hometown fans the access and coverage they cherish. These contracts solidify our standing as the leader in local sports media, merging scale with innovative approaches to ensure fans receive unmatched experiences."

Expanding Accessibility Through Technology

One of the main highlights of the FanDuel Sports Network is its robust distribution model. This includes access through various platforms such as cable, satellite, and vMVPD packages. Their TV Everywhere streaming capabilities, coupled with a user-friendly direct-to-consumer platform available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, and connected devices, symbolize a forward-thinking approach to fan accessibility. During the 2025 MLB season, FanDuel Sports Network averaged over 1.5 million viewers per night, a testament to its growing reach.

Cameron Scholvin, Senior Vice President and COO of the Blue Jackets, noted, "We are thrilled to continue our relationship with FanDuel Sports Network as the television home of Blue Jackets hockey. Their commitment to leveraging our talented broadcast team with cutting-edge technology is essential for providing our fans with world-class analysis and storytelling.” The excitement is palpable within the organization as they look forward to what their 25th anniversary season will bring.

Strengthening Partnerships

With the Minnesota Wild also reaffirming their partnership with FanDuel Sports Network, Mitch Helgerson, Chief Revenue Officer of the Wild, acknowledged the importance of strong partnerships to meet fan expectations. He stated, “FanDuel Sports Network has proven to be an excellent partner. Their multi-platform model and dedication to high-quality production enable us to engage with our fans meaningfully. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the energetic spirit of Wild hockey.”

These collaborative agreements illustrate the prevailing trend in the sports media landscape, focusing on delivering experiences that resonate with fans. The innovations brought about by the FanDuel Sports Network aim to cater not only to the loyal followers of the Blue Jackets and Wild but also to open doors to new viewers excited about engaging with these teams.

The Vision for the Future

As sports media continues to evolve, the significance of partnerships like those between Main Street Sports Group and teams like the Blue Jackets and Wild cannot be overstated. They represent a bid to harness technology's potential fully, scaling local sports engagement and enhancing experiences for hockey fans. Through this extended agreement, FanDuel Sports Network reinforces its commitment to being at the forefront of local sports media, offering fans unprecedented access to the teams they love.

In summary, the renewed agreements between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and FanDuel Sports Network exhibit a strong commitment to enhancing fan access and engagement in a rapidly evolving media landscape, setting the stage for an exciting future in local sports coverage.