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Orlando Magic expand TV reach via Hearst-owned WMOR

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mkeys@thedesk.net

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The Orlando Magic will expand their local television footprint during the 2026-27 NBA season through a new agreement with WMOR-TV in the Tampa television market.

Under the deal, Magic regular-season telecasts will air on WMOR (Channel 32), the Hearst Television-owned independent station serving the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

The agreement expands an earlier deal that placed 10 Magic games on WMOR; the broader arrangement gives the franchise a full-season broadcast presence in the Tampa market as it seeks to grow its regional fan base across Central Florida.

“We are excited to partner with WMOR-TV and Hearst to bring Magic basketball to our Tampa fans,” Charlie Freeman, the President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, said in a statement. “WMOR-TV will provide Magic fans a direct connection to the team all season long.”

The deal comes as local sports rights continue to shift across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. For the Magic, the WMOR agreement offers additional over-the-air exposure in a large Florida television market outside the team’s home market while providing Hearst with live professional sports programming for WMOR.

John Soapes, the President and General Manager of WMOR, said the expanded partnership reflects the station’s interest in local sports programming.

“We’re thrilled to grow our relationship with the Magic and to expand accessibility to Magic basketball across Central Florida,” Soapes said. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality local sports programming and creating new opportunities for fans to connect with their team.”

Dante Marchitelli will serve as the full-time play-by-play voice of the Magic during the season. He will be joined by former Magic forward Jeff Turner as analyst. Kendra Douglas will enter her fourth season as the Magic team reporter.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
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