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The long-rumored move to ROOT Sports for the Trail Blazers is coming into focus. Back in March, information emerged that the Blazers’ broadcast would swap from NBC Sports Northwest to ROOT Sports starting in the 2021-22 season. Earlier this week, The Oregonian’s John Canzano confirmed the move and revealed a handful of early details.
Can confirm Trail Blazers moving to ROOT Sports next season as first reported by @BizballMaury
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) June 9, 2021
A few details I’ve learned:
— number of households that will see games doubles vs NBC Sports NW
— deal includes distribution on @DIRECTV
— production will stay in-house w Blazers
According to Canzano’s early analysis, ROOT Sports will be offered via DIRECTV (along with other providers) and the Blazers’ current game-day production set up will remain intact moving forward.
Along with the Blazers, the NHL’s Seattle Kraken are set to debut on ROOT Sports next season. As of now, it is unclear how ROOT Sports will navigate the overlap of the NBA and NHL schedules.
Since 2007, NBC Sports Northwest has carried the Blazers’ broadcast (originally under the Comcast banner).
We will continue to update this story as details emerge.