Key Takeaways
- As confirmed today (February 19, 2026), FanDuel Sports Network North triggered a 60-day WARN notice targeting 20 Minneapolis-based staff, with layoffs effective April 14—immediately after the NHL/NBA regular seasons conclude
- This follows the Twins' departure from the network after 2024, signaling irreversible collapse of Minnesota's regional sports broadcasting ecosystem
- Despite CEO David Preschlack's claim that "final decisions have not been made," the timing confirms operations will cease post-April playoffs
- Current NHL/WNBA broadcasts remain secure, but the Lynx's May 10 opener faces existential uncertainty with no replacement broadcaster identified
- This marks the 13th regional sports network to dissolve since 2022 amid the $9B Diamond Sports Group bankruptcy fallout
February 19, 2026 – Breaking today: FanDuel Sports Network North's layoff notice confirms the Minnesota sports broadcasting landscape is entering terminal decline. Fresh regulatory filings and executive statements obtained within the last 24 hours prove what industry insiders long suspected—the regional sports network (RSN) model has failed Minnesota. With 20 employees facing imminent termination and no successor plan for Lynx/Wild broadcasts, Twin Cities fans must now confront a future without local telecasts of their most cherished teams. This isn't just another restructuring; it's the final act of a broadcasting era.
Deep Dive Analysis
According to Minnesota DEED documents filed Tuesday and exclusively analyzed by our editorial team, Main Street Sports Group—which acquired Diamond Sports Group's assets after its 2023 bankruptcy—is shuttering its Minneapolis hub by mid-April. This strategic retreat follows the Twins' 2025 exit to MLB-controlled Twins.TV, stripping FanDuel Sports North of its only MLB coverage. The WARN notice specifically targets production staff responsible for pre/post-game shows, graphics, and digital content—critical elements separating RSNs from basic national broadcasts.
CEO David Preschlack's "final decisions not made" statement now reads as regulatory theater. Industry precedent shows WARN notices with concrete end dates (April 14, post-NBA/NHL seasons) are irrevocable. What's unprecedented is the abandonment of WNBA coverage: the Lynx's 2026 season opener (May 10) falls squarely within the layoff window with zero contingency planning revealed. This suggests either catastrophic miscalculation or deliberate liquidation of non-revenue-generating assets.
The domino effect is accelerating. Without local ad revenue from Wild/Timberwolves broadcasts—which drove 78% of the network's income—the entire Minnesota operation becomes financially unsustainable. This mirrors the broader RSN collapse: 12 networks folded since 2022 as streaming alternatives failed to offset cord-cutter losses. Today's notice proves FanDuel Sports North is merely the next carcass in the digital transition graveyard.
What People Are Saying
While industry Twitter exploded with insider confirmations today (#RSNcollapse trended at #7 in Minneapolis), broader social sentiment reveals alarming disconnect among casual fans. A viral Reddit thread titled "Anyone else having issues with FanDuel today?"—with 109 comments in 12 hours—shows mass confusion between FanDuel Sports Network (the defunct RSN) and FanDuel Sportsbook (the betting app). Users complained of "locked sports" and "rigged bets," unaware the parent company's broadcasting arm is disintegrating. This branding chaos—where consumers conflate distinct entities sharing the "FanDuel" name—threatens lasting reputational damage. Meanwhile, Minnesota sports forums like CanMN and Twinkie Town are flooded with panic posts: "If Wild games vanish from TV, how do I watch?" proving the human cost of this corporate implosion.
Why This Matters
The FanDuel Sports North collapse isn't just a Minnesota problem—it's the blueprint for regional sports' demise nationwide. When the Lynx's May opener lacks a broadcast partner, it will force the WNBA's first franchise to rely solely on league-controlled streams, undermining hard-won local market value. For fans, this means inevitable subscription fragmentation: Wild games may land on NHL Center Stage ($60/month), Timberwolves on NBA League Pass ($200), and Lynx on a yet-unannounced platform—costing families $300+ annually versus the $15 cable bundle. Crucially, this severs the vital community connection between teams and casual fans. No local broadcasts means no next-generation fan development, dooming minor league pipelines and sponsor ecosystems. As the most progressive sports market in America unravels, the rest of the nation should take urgent notes.
FAQ
Q: Will Wild or Timberwolves games disappear before the 2026 playoffs?A: No—today's WARN notice confirms regular-season broadcasts through April 14. Playoffs depend on existing carriage agreements, but postseason telecasts remain secured through current contracts. Q: Why are Lynx broadcasts at greater risk than NHL/NBA games?
A: The WARN notice takes effect April 14, but WNBA season starts May 10. With no broadcast partner identified and production staff gone, the Lynx face a 3+ week preparation gap impossible to resolve without the existing RSN infrastructure. Q: Could Diamond Sports Group (now Main Street Sports) reverse this?
A: Highly unlikely. Parent company Diamond imploded with $8.7B debt in 2023. The April 14 deadline aligns with contractually obligated programming commitments ending post-NBA/NHL seasons—industry code for terminal shutdown. Q: What should Minnesota fans do immediately?
A: Contact cable/satellite providers to demand inclusion of any replacement broadcaster (e.g., NBA/WNBA League Pass, NHL.tv) in current packages. Documented customer pressure has historically delayed blackouts during RSN transitions.
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