ORLANDO - Cox Media Group Orlando is rebranding WRDQ-TV 27 as MagicTV 27, transforming the independent station into a dedicated sports and entertainment channel that will air all 77 Orlando Magic regular-season games free over the air this season under a newly signed multi-year exclusive broadcast agreement with the team.
The rebrand, announced today with updated on-air graphics and promotional campaigns rolling out across the market, follows CMG Orlando’s agreement making WRDQ-TV 27 and WFTV Channel 9 the Magic’s exclusive broadcast partners. The official MagicTV 27 brand debuts next week.
“MagicTV 27 represents much more than a new name,” said Darren Moore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CMG Orlando TV. “It reflects our commitment to delivering premium sports and entertainment programming that is accessible to everyone. By creating a brand closely aligned with one of Central Florida’s most beloved franchises, we’re building a destination that serves enthusiastic fans, viewers, and advertisers alike.”
Beyond Magic basketball, MagicTV 27 will carry live home games for the Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic’s NBA G League affiliate, and the Orlando Solar Bears, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s minor ECHL affiliate. The station will also air Eyewitness News programming weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and nightly at 10:00 p.m., along with syndicated entertainment including Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey.
“Central Florida is a passionate sports market, and MagicTV 27 gives us a powerful platform to bring fans closer to their teams than ever before,” Moore added. “Whether it’s Orlando Magic basketball, Solar Bears hockey, Osceola Magic games, local news, or great entertainment programming, MagicTV 27 will deliver content that matters to our community every day.”
All programming will remain available free over the air and through cable, satellite, streaming MVPDs, and other distribution platforms currently carrying the station. CMG Media Corporation operates 17 television brands across 9 markets and 45 radio stations nationwide. The Magic’s regular season tips off this fall, with the full 77-game broadcast schedule set to run on MagicTV 27 throughout the season.