Arizona Diamondbacks and 12News Extend Broadcast Partnership: A Trend Towards Local Sports Access
Phoenix, Arizona – A renewed partnership between the Arizona Diamondbacks and KPNX 12News promises to bring more baseball into local homes during the 2026 season. The collaboration will see 11 games broadcast on KPNX, including the season opener, reaching an audience of approximately 1.59 million households. This extends a successful relationship from 2025 and highlights a growing trend: the importance of accessible, over-the-air local sports broadcasting.
The Rise of Local Sports Broadcasting
In an era dominated by streaming services and expensive cable packages, the Diamondbacks-12News partnership represents a strategic move to connect with a broader fanbase. Derrick Hall, President of the D-backs, emphasized that the initial collaboration “surpassed all expectations, not only in viewership, but also in the way it allowed us to connect with fans.” This sentiment underscores a key challenge facing sports organizations: reaching fans who may be priced out or unwilling to navigate complex streaming options.
The decision to air games on free-to-air television like KPNX directly addresses this issue. Kate Morris, President and General Manager of 12News, stated the partnership is about “expanding access while continuing to showcase the team’s great connection with our community.” This focus on accessibility is becoming increasingly vital as sports leagues and teams seek to cultivate and maintain their fan bases.
Beyond the Game: Enhanced Fan Experience
The partnership isn’t just about broadcasting games; it’s about creating a comprehensive fan experience. 12News will feature “D-backs on Deck” with Cameron Cox, Lina Washington, and Jake García, offering pre-game analysis, behind-the-scenes access, and player interviews. This type of supplementary content adds value for viewers and fosters a deeper connection with the team.
This approach mirrors strategies employed by other local broadcasters and sports teams. Providing pre- and post-game shows, player profiles, and community-focused segments enhances the overall viewing experience and encourages greater fan engagement.
The 2026 Broadcast Schedule
Here’s a appear at the games scheduled for broadcast on KPNX during the 2026 season:
- March 26 vs. Dodgers (MLB on NBC Season Opener)
- March 30 vs. Tigers (Home Opener)
- April 17 vs. Blue Jays
- May 21 vs. Rockies
- June 5 vs. Nationals
- July 4 vs. Brewers
- July 17 vs. Cardinals
- August 7 vs. Dodgers
- August 21 vs. Reds
- September 11 vs. Rangers
- September 18 vs. Yankees
The Future of Local Sports Coverage
The Diamondbacks-12News partnership is indicative of a broader trend towards strengthening local sports coverage. As streaming costs continue to rise, local broadcasters are uniquely positioned to provide accessible and engaging content to their communities. This includes not only live game broadcasts but also in-depth analysis, player profiles, and community-focused programming.
Expect to see more collaborations between local sports teams and broadcasters, as well as increased investment in local sports journalism. The demand for accessible, high-quality local sports coverage is only likely to grow in the years to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find more content in Spanish related to the Diamondbacks and 12News?
A: Visit 12News.com/espanol.
Q: How can I follow 12News en Español on social media?
A: Follow them on Facebook at 12News en Español.
Q: Is there a YouTube playlist for 12News en Español?
A: Yes, you can find it at 12News en Español on YouTube.
Q: How can I secure updates from 12News KPNX on my mobile device?
A: Download the 12 News KPNX app for iPhone (http://12ne.ws/iphone) or Android (http://12ne.ws/android).
Did you know? The Diamondbacks’ partnership with 12News aims to reach approximately 1.59 million television households in the Phoenix market.
Worth a look