Main Street Sports, the former owner of a portfolio of regional sports networks, has initiated lawsuits against Comcast and Charter Communications, alleging underpayment of licensing fees. The claims focus on payments due during early 2026, a period when Main Street's networks were still broadcasting live NBA and NHL games to local markets. These legal actions were filed in Delaware Superior Court, according to court documents reviewed by CNBC.

The company, which started as Fox Sports networks, has undergone multiple ownership and name changes since 2019. After emerging from bankruptcy protection in early 2025, the networks operated under the FanDuel Sports Network brand and covered around 30 teams across MLB, NHL, and NBA. Despite reported subscriber growth earlier in the year, Main Street struggled with liquidity issues and heavy debt, which ultimately led to the winding down of its sports channels.

Main Street aired its final local MLB games in 2025 but continued to broadcast the full NBA regular season and NHL games, including the first round of playoffs, in 2026. The company's difficulties reflect broader challenges facing regional sports networks as traditional pay TV subscriptions decline. The industry's shift in distribution models due to cord-cutting has caused many pay TV providers to renegotiate their agreements with RSNs.

These shifts have also affected streaming options for regional sports content, as seen in July when two independently owned New York sports networks transitioned from their own streaming app to distribution via the DAZN platform. The evolving landscape of sports broadcasting underscores the financial pressures and restructuring efforts experienced by entities like Main Street Sports in the current market.