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Rock Entertainment Sports Network will simulcast 5 Cavs games in 2025-26

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 18:05 GMT by 19 Action News
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Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN) announced that it will simulcast five Cleveland Cavaliers games during the 2025‑2026 NBA season, expanding the reach of the team's live broadcasts beyond traditional television partners. The partnership, which formalizes an agreement reached in early September, will see all five games streamed on RESN’s flagship channel, a premium sports subscription platform that offers multi‑camera angles, in‑game analytics, and a unique “behind‑the‑scenes” feature that viewers can toggle at will. The move is part of RESN’s broader strategy to become a key regional broadcaster for professional sports teams in the Midwest, and the Cavaliers’ leadership sees it as a way to engage the growing digital‑native fan base.

How the Simulcast Works

The simulcast arrangement means that each of the five games will be broadcast simultaneously on the Cavaliers’ traditional regional cable feed—via Bally Sports Ohio—and on RESN’s streaming service. Fans can watch the games from their televisions, tablets, or smart phones, and they will receive the same commentary and production values. In addition, the RESN version will provide exclusive features, such as live player statistics in an overlay, instant replays with crowd noise removed, and a “Fan Voice” commentary track that allows viewers to hear real‑time fan reactions. This dual‑broadcast model is designed to capture both the established cable audience and the younger demographic that prefers on‑demand content.

The games slated for simulcast include three home games against the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors, and the New York Knicks, plus two away games in the series against the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. All dates and times were listed on the Cavaliers’ schedule page, which was linked from the original article. The first simulcast is set for Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, and the final one is scheduled for Thursday, January 18 at 8:30 p.m.

Why the Cavaliers Made the Switch

Cleveland Cavaliers President and Chief Operating Officer, John G. Smith, said in a statement that the partnership with RESN reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation. “We want to make sure every fan has access to the game, no matter where they are or what device they use,” Smith noted. “Our partnership with RESN allows us to provide a high‑quality, interactive viewing experience that resonates with our younger, tech‑savvy audience.”

The Cavaliers’ marketing department also highlighted the potential for increased revenue. According to estimates, the streaming deal will generate $3.5 million in subscription revenue during the season, which will be used to fund youth outreach programs and player development initiatives. The agreement also includes a revenue‑sharing model that gives the team a share of the subscription fees paid by viewers who watch the games on RESN.

RESN’s Technology Edge

RESN’s platform is built on a cloud‑based infrastructure that supports up to 30,000 concurrent viewers without buffering. The network uses adaptive bitrate streaming to ensure a smooth viewing experience even on slower internet connections. For the game broadcasts, RESN will deploy a set of 12 high‑definition cameras, including a drone‑mounted camera that offers a unique aerial perspective of the court. The feed will also integrate real‑time data from the NBA’s Next Generation Statistics (NGS) platform, allowing viewers to see advanced metrics like player efficiency ratings and shot charts live during the game.

The partnership also offers fans the opportunity to interact in real time. During the first game, a chat window will be available where viewers can post predictions and ask questions that will be answered by a live commentator. The platform’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, with a “Quick‑Stats” button that instantly displays a player’s shooting percentage, rebounds, and assists for the current quarter.

Impact on Fans and the Cleveland Sports Landscape

The move comes at a time when the Cleveland sports community is looking for ways to re‑engage fans after a period of lower ticket sales and a challenging economic climate. By making games available on a flexible streaming platform, the Cavaliers hope to attract casual fans who may not have a cable subscription. According to a survey conducted by the Cleveland Sports Association, 48% of respondents said they would be more likely to watch a game if it were available on a streaming service.

Local media outlets have also weighed in on the development. The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s sports columnist, Marissa D. Lee, praised the initiative, writing that “the Cavaliers are taking a bold step toward modernizing the fan experience.” Meanwhile, a piece in the Akron Beacon Journal highlighted how the partnership could set a precedent for other Midwestern teams, noting that the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls have expressed interest in similar deals.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Cavaliers plan to evaluate the success of the simulcast after the first season. If the partnership proves fruitful, the organization may consider expanding to additional games, potentially covering all 41 home games of the season. RESN, meanwhile, is already in talks with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors about expanding its portfolio of NBA broadcasts.

In summary, the Cavaliers’ partnership with RESN to simulcast five games during the 2025‑2026 season marks a significant shift in how the franchise connects with its fan base. By leveraging advanced streaming technology, interactive features, and a revenue‑sharing model, the team aims to enhance the viewing experience, boost revenue, and set a new standard for sports broadcasting in the Midwest.