As previously reported, TEGNA’s KARE-11 in Minneapolis is the in-market rights holder for some 15 Minnesota Timberwolves that will appear over-the-air thanks to a simulcast agreement with streaming platform DAZN. Now, free-to-air coverage is coming to adjacent DMAs that the National Basketball Association team includes in its territory.
It’s thanks to a third-party deal with Gray Media, as the publicly traded Atlanta-headquartered broadcast TV ownership group has signed an agreement bringing the 15-game package to Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato, Minn.; and to La Crosse-Eau Claire, Wisc.
In Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato, the games will air primarily on the North Star Sports & Entertainment Network via digital broadcast channels KXLT 47.2, KBJR 6.3 and KEYC 7.3, respectively.
In the dual-city Wisconsin market, broadcasts will air on an affiliate of The CW Network — WECX 14.1.
Select games in each market will also air on Gray’s primary ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox affiliates, with a schedule to be announced.
“This partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to deliver premium live sports directly to local fans free over-the-air,” said Sandy Breland, Gray’s Chief Operating Officer, who is a co-chair of Forecast 2027 on November 12 in New York. “We look forward to expanding Timberwolves coverage across our stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin throughout the upcoming season.”
The current 15-game Timberwolves broadcast schedule includes (all times Central):
• Wednesday, October 28 vs. Golden State Warriors (7:00 p.m.)
• Friday, October 30 vs. LA Clippers (7:00 p.m.)
• Friday, November 6 at New Orleans Pelicans (7:00 p.m.)
• Thursday, November 12 vs. Dallas Mavericks (7:00 p.m.)
• Friday, December 18 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 vs. Phoenix Suns (7:00 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 31 vs. Denver Nuggets (3:00 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 7 at Toronto Raptors (6:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 14 at Chicago Bulls (7:00 p.m.)
• Friday, January 22 at San Antonio Spurs (8:30 p.m.)
• Friday, January 29 vs. Charlotte Hornets (8:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, February 7 vs. Utah Jazz (2:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, March 18 at Utah Jazz (8:00 p.m.)
• Friday, March 26 vs. Orlando Magic (7:00 p.m.)
• Friday, April 9 at Los Angeles Lakers (9:00 p.m.)
