Jump to content

Diamond Sports Group

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Diamond Sports)
Diamond Sports Group LLC
Company typePrivate
IndustrySports
FoundedMay 3, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-05-03)
Area served
United States
Key people
David Preschlack (CEO)
David DeVoe (CFO and COO)
Randy Freer (board member)
Mary Ann Turcke (board member)
Bob Whitsitt (board member)
Chris Ripley (board member)
ServicesFanDuel Sports Network
OwnersSinclair Broadcast Group
Allen Media Group

Diamond Sports Group LLC is an American media and entertainment company. The company operates FanDuel Sports Network, a group of regional sports channels that was formerly known as the Fox Sports Networks and Bally Sports. The company also has a stake in YES Network.

History

[edit]

Sinclair Broadcast Group formed the company with Byron Allen's Allen Media Group to acquire 22 regional Fox Sports Networks affiliates and Fox College Sports from The Walt Disney Company, which was required to divest of these networks to secure government antitrust approval.[1] The transaction, initially valued at $10.6 billion, is managed through a joint venture called Diamond Holdings Group,[2] and formally closed the transfer in August 2019 for $9.6 billion.[3]

The company's regional sports networks have exclusive broadcasting rights to 42 professional teams (including 16 National Basketball Association teams, 14 Major League Baseball teams, and 12 National Hockey League teams),[4] and the channels collectively generated $3.8 billion in 2018, across nearly 75 million subscribers.[2]

Sinclair took a $4.23 billion write-down of its regional sports assets in 2020 after a downturn in the business.[5]

On November 18, 2020, Sinclair announced that it had entered into an agreement with casino operator Bally's Corporation to acquire the naming rights under a 10-year deal.[6]

On January 27, 2021, Sinclair announced that the networks would be rebranded as Bally Sports on March 31.[7][8][9] In December 2021, the company reached an extension agreement with the National Hockey League.[10]

On May 2, 2022, Diamond Sports Group assembled a board of five directors, made up of Bob Whitsitt, Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley, Randy Freer, a former Fox Sports/Hulu executive, Mary Ann Turcke, a former COO of the NFL, and David Preschlack (previously President of the NBC Sports Regional Networks); Preschlack would be elected CEO of Diamond on December 5.[11]

On June 23, 2022, Bally Sports soft-launched a direct-to-consumer service known as Bally Sports Plus (or Bally Sports+) in selected markets. It is expected to launch nationally in the remainder of the networks' footprint on September 26.[12]

On December 4, 2022, Diamond Sports Group's board had voted to block the Sinclair Broadcast Group from operating Diamond and its regional sports networks.[13]

An email from Diamond CEO David Preschlack announced on March 20, 2023 that Steve Rosenberg would no longer be the president of Diamond Sports Group; Rosenberg's last day as president of Diamond was March 19. With his departure, Diamond's chief financial officer David DeVoe will take on the role of COO.[14]

On May 1, 2024, cable companies Xfinity and Midco dropped the Bally Sports networks as part of a carriage dispute.[15][16] Optimum did the same on July 1, 2024.[17] On July 29, 2024, Comcast reached a new carriage agreement with Xfinity. The agreement moved Bally Sports to the Xfinity "Ultimate TV" tier instead of the basic service.[18]

On Ocober 18, 2024, Diamond announced a new naming agreement with FanDuel, which will saw Bally Sports rebranded as the FanDuel Sports Network on October 21.[19][20] The naming rights will be paid for via an annual rights fee, and advertising commitments. FanDuel will also have the option to acquire a 5% equity stake in Diamond once it exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[21][22]

Bankruptcy (2023–24)

[edit]

On March 14, 2023, Diamond Sports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy,[23] 30 days after they failed to make a $140M interest payment.[24] Diamond’s first-lien lenders will not be affected as part of the restructuring support agreement, but other creditors will convert their debt into equity. Diamond also separated from its parent Sinclair and became an entirely new entity.[25] Diamond Sports Group successfully emerged from bankruptcy on November 14, 2024.[26]

During its bankruptcy, Diamond has ended its broadcasting agreements or lost the rights to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB), the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the ACC on Regional Sports Networks package from Raycom Sports, the Orange Bowl Classic men's college basketball tournament from the Orange Bowl and the MVC Network from the Missouri Valley Conference.[27][28][29][30] Diamond has also missed payments to the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins of MLB and the Orlando Magic of the NBA.[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]

On April 28, 2023, the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced they had signed a five-year agreement with Gray Television to replace Bally Sports Arizona as its local television partners.[39] After the announcement, Diamond Sports Group accused the team of breaching its contract and bankruptcy law, stating that the team was making an "improper effort" to "change their broadcasting partner without permitting Diamond to exercise our contractual rights." In response, Suns CEO Josh Bartlestein stated that "Diamond's position is totally inaccurate. We are moving forward with this deal and could not be more excited about what it means for our fans and our future."[40][41][42] On May 10, 2023, the bankruptcy judge voided the Suns contract with Gray, ruling that the Suns violated Bally Sports Arizona's contractual right of first refusal. He ordered the parties into arbitration. The Phoenix Mercury's deal was not affected.[43] On July 14, 2023, the deal became official when Diamond declined to match Gray's contract offer.[44]

On May 31, 2023, Diamond officially missed a second payment to the Padres, and the Padres' television rights were returned to Major League Baseball. Because Bally Sports San Diego, which aired Padres games, is a joint venture between the Padres and Diamond it is technically not in bankruptcy. Therefore this missed payment did not have the same bankruptcy protections that Diamond's other missed payments had.[45][46] Padres games will be available blackout free on MLB.tv, as well as through channels on select cable providers, including YurView California, in the San Diego area. MLB Network will produce the games with the Padres' regular commentators.[47][46]

On June 14, 2023, Diamond rejected its contract with Raycom Sports to distribute a package of Atlantic Coast Conference games, freeing Raycom to sell the package to other networks.[48] A month later, Raycom announced that The CW had bought the rights.[49]

On June 22, 2023, Diamond announced its intention to reject its contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 30, 2023.[50] Diamond and the Arizona Diamondbacks later released a joint statement pushing back the hearing and agreeing to continue Diamond's broadcast of Diamondbacks' games.[51] The contract was officially rejected on July 18. As for the Padres, Major League Baseball took over production.[52]

On July 21, 2023, Diamond sued the Sinclair Broadcast Group, their parent, over transactions made when Sinclair had control over the company. Diamond alleged that Sinclair made transactions that were designed to benefit itself while hurting its subsidiary.[53] On August 11, 2023, the bankruptcy judged granted an 80 day extension to Diamond Sports to file their reorganization plan. The plan is due on September 30.[54]

On September 28, 2023, the New York Post and Next TV reported that Diamond Sports had reached one-year carriage agreements with DirecTV and Comcast prior to their restructuring deadline.[55][56] On September 29, Diamond Sports requested a 60-day extension to file their reorganization plan.[57] On October 11, 2023, Major League Baseball filed a notice opposing Diamond Sports' request for an extension. The MLB also asked the bankruptcy court to force Diamond to decide on whether the company would air games from the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers in 2024.[58]

On October 1, 2023, Diamond Sports missed a payment to the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association. But, on November 6, 2023, Diamond Sports and the National Basketball Association reached a one-year agreement that will result in the contracts for NBA teams airing on Diamond expiring after the 2023–24 NBA season but will result in the Orlando Magic being paid. Across the board, all NBA teams airing on Diamond Sports will receive a 16% reduction in the money they receive from Diamond Sports but will be able to sell 10 games exclusively to local over-the-air networks.[59][33] The sold games will continue to be produced by Bally Sports.[60][61]

On October 4, 2023, Diamond announced that it intended to reject its contract with the Arizona Coyotes.[29] The next day, Scripps Sports announced it had acquired the rights and that games would air on KASW.[62] As a result, with no remaining professional sports rights, Bally Sports Arizona was shut down on October 21, 2023. [63][64] On October 10, 2023, Diamond announced that it intended to reject its contract with the Orange Bowl for its Orange Bowl Classic men's college basketball tournament.[28]

On December 20, 2023, Diamond Sports and the National Hockey League reached a similar agreement to the NBA's November 6 deal that will also result in the contracts for all NHL teams airing on Diamond expiring after the 2023–24 NHL season, pending approval by the bankruptcy court.[65]

On January 17, 2024, Diamond Sports announced a restructuring agreement after tentatively securing a $115 million investment from Amazon, which would result in a 15% share of the company, and reaching an agreement with the Sinclair Broadcast Group for a $495 million cash payment to settle an earlier lawsuit.[66] On January 26, 2024, committee of unsecured creditors objected to the restructuring agreement, arguing that financing in the restructuring agreement did not have the committee's best interests in mind.[67] The restructuring agreement supersedes the prior agreements with the NHL and NBA, so rights for the NBA and NHL will no longer expire following the 2023–24 season.[68]

On February 2, 2024, Diamond Sports announced agreements with the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball that will result in a decreased rights fee and will end their contracts with Diamond after the 2024 season.[69][70]

Diamond Sports Group officially filed its reorganization plan on March 1, 2024. As part of the plan, Diamond will end its naming rights deal with Bally's Corporation and rebrand its networks by the end of the 2024 MLB season.[71]

On July 2, 2024, Bally Sports Florida and the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League mutually agreed to terminate their broadcasting contract early. That same day, the Panthers announced a new agreement with Scripps Sports.[72] The next day on July 3, Diamond asked the court to terminate its contract with the Dallas Stars. The Stars did not object to the request,[73] and announced an agreement to launch a new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform known as Victory+ to carry its games.[74]

On August 23, 2024, Diamond Sports announced long-term agreements with nine of its NHL teams and thirteen of its NBA teams, committing to carry at least the teams' 2024–25 seasons, and further seasons pending the resolution of its bankruptcy; if Diamond Sports is unable to get a bankruptcy plan approved by the court, the NBA and NHL agreements will expire following the end of each league's 2024–25 season. The agreement will result in NHL teams having a 20 percent reduction in their rights fees and NBA teams having a 30 to 40 present reduction in their rights fees. In addition, Bally rejected its contracts with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.[75][76] Three days later, it was reported that Amazon had withdrawn its plans to invest in the restructured company due to structural changes and a focus on its own national sports portfolio, but that Diamond still had enough investors to submit a "viable" restructuring plan.[77]

While the Anaheim Ducks were initially announced by Bally as having renewed its rights under the new agreements,[75] on August 27 the team instead announced that it would carry its games on KCOP-TV and Victory+ under a two-year deal.[78]

On October 2, 2024, Diamond stated that it plans to renegotiate its contracts with the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays. If the teams are unable to agree to a new contract with Diamond, their contract will be rejected. The Atlanta Braves are the only team not affected by the announcement.[79] On October 8, 2024, after their contracts expired with Diamond, MLB Local Media acquired the rights to the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins.[80][81]

Diamond Sports announced new agreements with Marlins, on October 18, and the Cardinals, on November 7.[82] For the first time, the Cardinals will be available direct-to-consumer locally through the FanDuel Sports Network app.[83] On November 8, the Reds and Diamond announced a settlement which will officially end their contract.[38]

On November 8, 2024, Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves officially objected to Diamond Sports' reorganization plan, saying they had "grave concerns" about the companies' future viability.[84] However, on November 13, 2024, Major League Baseball and the Braves dropped their objection, after Diamond Sports reached amended agreements with the Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers. Diamond Sports will acquire local direct-to-consumer streaming rights for all the teams it renegotiated with. Only the Kansas City Royals have not officially had their contract rejected or renegotiated by Diamond Sports Group.[85]

Teams that changed rights during bankruptcy

[edit]
TV rights status for teams that changed their TV during the Bally Sports bankruptcy
Team Date of action Status
ACC on Regional Sports Networks March 2023, June 2023 Missed payment in March 2023. Contract terminated in June 2023, TV rights returned to Raycom Sports[48] (Sublicense acquired by The CW)
Anaheim Ducks August 2024 Contract expired after 2023–24 season, TV rights acquired by Victory+ and KCOP-TV[78]
Arizona Coyotes October 2023 Contract terminated prior to 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Scripps Sports (Franchise now defunct)[62]
Arizona Diamondbacks March 2023, July 2023 Missed payment prior to 2023 MLB season, later paid. Contract terminated mid-way through 2023 MLB season, TV rights returned to MLB[51]
Atlanta Hawks January 2024 10 games acquired by Gray Television, remaining games on Bally Sports[86]
Cincinnati Reds April 2023, November 2024 Missed payment in April 2023, later paid in full. Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season. Rights acquired by MLB.[87][88][38][89]
Cleveland Cavaliers February 2024 5 games acquired by Gray Television, remaining games on Bally Sports[90]
Cleveland Guardians April 2023, February 2024, October 2024 Missed payment in April 2023, later paid in full. Contract renegotiated in February 2024, will expire after 2024 season. Rights returned to MLB for 2025 season.[91][70][30]
Dallas Mavericks January 2024, August 2024 For the 2023–24 season, 10 games acquired by Tegna Inc., remaining games on Bally Sports.[92] Contract terminated prior to the 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Tegna Inc.[93]
Dallas Stars July 2024 Contract terminated prior to the 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Victory+[73][94]
Detroit Tigers October 2024 Contract renegotiated following 2024 MLB season[88][85]
Florida Panthers July 2024 Contract terminated prior to the 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Scripps Sports[72]
Kansas City Royals October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season, but not officially renegotiated or rejected[88][85]
Los Angeles Angels October 2024 Contract renegotiated following 2024 MLB season[88][85]
Los Angeles Kings September 2023 Contract expired after 2022–23 season, re-signed with Bally Sports with 6 games acquired by CBS News and Stations. Multi-year agreement.[95]
Miami Marlins October 2024 Contract renegotiated following 2024 MLB season[88][85]
Milwaukee Brewers October 2024 Contract expired following 2024 MLB season, rights returned to MLB.[96][30]
Milwaukee Bucks January 2024 10 games acquired by Weigel Broadcasting, remaining games on Bally Sports[97]
Minnesota Twins April 2023, February 2024, October 2024 Missed payment in April 2023, later paid in full. Contract renegotiated in February 2024, will expire after 2024 season. Contract returned to MLB for 2025 season.[98][70][30]
Missouri Valley Conference Network September 2024 Contract expired following 2023–24 season, TV rights acquired by Gray Television[27]
New Orleans Pelicans January 2024, August 2024 For the 2023–24 season, 10 games acquired by Gray Television, remaining games on Bally Sports. For the 2024–25 season, contract terminated and TV rights acquired by Gray Television.[99][100][101]
Oklahoma City Thunder January 2024 8 games acquired by Griffin Media, remaining games on Bally Sports[102]
Orlando Magic October 2023 Missed payment in October 2023, later paid in full[33]
Phoenix Suns July 2023 Contract expired following 2022–23 season, TV rights acquired by Gray Television[44]
San Diego Padres March 2023, May 2023 Missed payment in March 2023, later paid. Contract terminated in May 2023, TV rights returned to MLB[45]
St. Louis Cardinals November 2024 Contract renegotiated following 2024 MLB season. Will now be available direct-to-consumer via the FanDuel Sports Network app[103]
Tampa Bay Rays October 2024 Contract renegotiated following 2024 MLB season[88][85]
Texas Rangers October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 season[88]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mirabella, Lorraine (May 7, 2019). "Sinclair stock soars over sports deal". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia (May 3, 2019). "Sinclair Clinches Disney-Regional Sports Networks Deal, Byron Allen Joins as Partner". Variety. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  3. ^ Hayes, Dade (August 23, 2019). "Disney, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Byron Allen Close Regional Sports Network Deal". Deadline. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  4. ^ "Sinclair Completes Acquisition of Regional Sports Networks From Disney". The Walt Disney Company. August 23, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  5. ^ Bloom, David (4 November 2020). "Sinclair Writes Off $4.2 Billion On Regional Sports Channels Amid Strong Political Advertising". Forbes. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  6. ^ Novy-Williams, Eben (2020-11-19). "Bally's Buys Sinclair RSN Naming Rights As Part of Sports Betting Push". Sportico.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  7. ^ Balderston, Michael (2021-01-27). "Sinclair, Bally Reveal Bally Sports Rebrand for RSNs". TVTechnology. Archived from the original on 2021-01-27. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  8. ^ "Farewell, Fox Sports West. Hello, Bally Sports". Los Angeles Times. 2020-11-19. Archived from the original on 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  9. ^ "Bally Sports, Coming March 31". YouTube (Fox Sports Midwest). March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  10. ^ "Sinclair's Diamond Sports Group Inks NHL Renewal Deal, MLB Lockout Looms". www.mediapost.com. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  11. ^ "Diamond Sports Announces New Board of Managers". Business Wire. Sinclair Broadcast Group. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  12. ^ Bucholtz, Andrew (2022-08-17). "Bally Sports+ has an official all-markets launch date". Awful Announcing. Retrieved 2022-08-17.
  13. ^ Crupi, Anthony (4 December 2022). "Diamond Sports Removes Sinclair as Operator of Regional Sports Networks". Sportico. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  14. ^ Ourand, John (20 March 2023). "Steve Rosenberg out as president of Diamond Sports Group". Sports Business Journal. Leaders Group. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  15. ^ Mayer, Eric (May 1, 2024). "Midco, Bally Sports disagreement leaves Minnesota Twins off air". KELO-TV. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  16. ^ Rizzo, Lillian (May 1, 2024). "Bally Sports regional networks go dark for Comcast cable customers". CNBC. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  17. ^ Crupi, Anthony (July 1, 2024). "BALLY SPORTS RSNS GO DARK AFTER OPTIMUM CARRIAGE DEAL EXPIRES". Sportico. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  18. ^ "Comcast, Bally Sports agree on new carriage deal". ESPN.com. 2024-07-29. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
  19. ^ Drellich, Evan. "Miami Marlins to return to Diamond Sports as MLB rips network's FanDuel naming-rights process". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  20. ^ Axelrod, Ben (2024-10-18). "Diamond Sports Group to retain Miami Marlins' TV rights". Awful Announcing. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  21. ^ Paul, Tony. "Bally Sports Detroit set to become FanDuel Sports Network; what you need to know". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  22. ^ Randles, Jonathan (2024-10-16). "Diamond Seeks Approval to Rebrand From Bally Sports to FanDuel". BNN Bloomberg. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
  23. ^ "Diamond Sports Group Commences Voluntary Chapter 11 Proceedings to Strengthen Balance Sheet". Business Wire (Press release). March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  24. ^ Ourand, John (February 15, 2023). "Diamond Sports Group not making $140M interest payment". Sports Business Journal. Leaders Group. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  25. ^ Rizzo, Lillian (March 14, 2023). "Diamond Sports, largest owner of regional sports networks, files for bankruptcy". CNBC. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  26. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (November 14, 2024). "Diamond Sports Group gets approval to emerge from bankruptcy". ESPN. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Missouri Valley Conference, Inc. and Gray Media execute multi-year broadcasting agreement". KTIV. September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Sullivan, Vince (October 10, 2023). "Diamond Sports Rejects College Basketball Deal In Ch. 11". Law360. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Kaplan, Daniel (October 5, 2023). "NBA, NHL in limbo waiting on next move in Diamond Sports Group bankruptcy". Awful Announcing. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  30. ^ a b c d "MLB to produce, distribute local games for Guardians, Brewers and Twins in 2025". MLB.com. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  31. ^ Ourand, John (March 17, 2023). "Sources: Diamond Sports misses rights payment to D-Backs". Sports Business Journal. Leaders Group. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  32. ^ Kiesewetter, John (May 2, 2023). "Cincinnati Reds games to remain on Bally Sports Ohio". WVXU. Cincinnati Public Radio. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  33. ^ a b c Ourand, John (November 6, 2023). "SBJ Media: Inside the NBA-Diamond deal". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  34. ^ Grant, Evan (April 19, 2023). "Bally Sports Southwest parent company fails to make April rights payment to Rangers". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  35. ^ Coffey, Brendan (March 14, 2023). "DIAMOND SPORTS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY; DIAMONDBACKS OWED $30 MILLION". Sportico. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  36. ^ Ourand, John (April 3, 2023). "SBJ Media: Twins, Guardians see rights squeeze". Sports Business Journal. Leaders Group. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  37. ^ Ourand, John (April 17, 2023). "SBJ Media: Cincy -- Ground Zero for MLB's RSN fight". Sports Business Journal. Leaders Group. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  38. ^ a b c Kaplan, Daniel (November 8, 2024). "MLB, Braves object to Diamond Sports bankruptcy exit". Awful Announcing. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  39. ^ Sprung, Shlomo (2023-04-28). "RSN to DTC: Phoenix Suns, Mercury Bringing Games to Local TV for Free". Boardroom. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  40. ^ Weprin, Alex (2023-04-28). "The Phoenix Suns Could Usher In the Future of Regional Sports TV Deals". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  41. ^ Rizzo, Lillian (28 April 2023). "Phoenix Suns and Mercury to move games from cable to local network and streaming". CNBC. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  42. ^ Rankin, Duane (April 28, 2023). "Diamond Sports Group accuses Phoenix Suns of breach of contract in leaving Bally Sports Arizona". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  43. ^ Kaplan, Daniel (May 10, 2023). "Judge voids Suns' media deal with Gray TV amid Diamond Sports bankruptcy proceedings". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  44. ^ a b Novak, Chris (July 14, 2023). "Phoenix Suns strike deal with Gray Television". Awful Announcing. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  45. ^ a b Lafayette, Jon (May 31, 2023). "Diamond Sports Group Pulls Plug on Bally Sports San Diego Padres Games". Next TV. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  46. ^ a b Ourand, John (May 30, 2023). "SBJ Unpacks: Padres' deal with Bally Sports ends tonight". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  47. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (May 30, 2023). "Diamond Sports Group fails to pay Padres, loses broadcast rights". ESPN. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  48. ^ a b Frankel, Daniel (June 15, 2023). "Bally Sports Kicks Another Asset to the Curb: ACC Football and Basketball Games". Next TV. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  49. ^ Petski, Denise (July 13, 2023). "The CW Lands Rights To Atlantic Coast Conference College Football & Basketball Games Through 2026-27". Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  50. ^ Frankel, Daniel (June 22, 2023). "Bankrupt Diamond Moves To Cut the MLB's Diamondbacks Loose From Bally Sports Arizona". Next TV. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  51. ^ a b "D-backs, Diamond Sports push back hearing on TV contract, Bally Sports to continue coverage". June 28, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  52. ^ Mackie, Theo (July 18, 2023). "Diamondbacks games no longer to be carried on Bally Sports; MLB moving them to new outlets". AzCentral. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  53. ^ Mirabella, Lorraine (July 21, 2023). "Sinclair Broadcast sued by its struggling Diamond Sports Group subsidiary". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  54. ^ Crupl, Anthony; McCann, Michael (August 11, 2023). "DIAMOND SPORTS BANKRUPTCY EXTENDED AS NHL, NBA SEASONS NEAR". Sportico. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  55. ^ Kosman, Josh (September 28, 2023). "Diamond Sports seeks to cut NBA, NHL fees in last-ditch bid to survive another year: sources". New York Post. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  56. ^ Frankel, Daniel (September 28, 2023). "Bankrupt Diamond Reaches Short-Term Renewals With Comcast and DirecTV for Bally Sports, Demands 20% Fee Cuts From the NBA and NHL to Keep Going For Another Year: Report". Next TV. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  57. ^ Toonkel, Jessica; Gladstone, Andrew; Flint, Joe (September 30, 2023). "Will America's Largest Local Sports Broadcaster Survive?". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  58. ^ Knauth, Dietrich (October 12, 2023). "MLB pushes bankrupt broadcaster to ditch or commit to 2024 TV deals". Reuters. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  59. ^ Ourand, John (November 6, 2023). "Diamond Sports reaches deal with NBA". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  60. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Partner with Gray's Peachtree TV to Broadcast 10 Games Free, Over the Air". NBA.com (Press release). December 30, 2023.
  61. ^ "WAFB will televise 10 of this season's Pelicans games" (Press release). WAFB. December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  62. ^ a b Jeffrey, Courtland (October 5, 2023). "HOW TO WATCH: Catch the latest Arizona Coyotes games on ABC15 Arizona". ABC15 Arizona. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  63. ^ Joe Lucia (October 13, 2023). "Bally Sports Arizona shuts down with terse tweet". Awful Announcing.
  64. ^ Eric Fisher (October 16, 2023). "Arizona RSN Shutdown Ushers in New Era of Local Sports Consumption". Front Office Sports.
  65. ^ "NHL agrees to keep 11 teams' local broadcasts on Bally Sports". Associated Press. ESPN. December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  66. ^ Szalai, Georg (January 17, 2024). "Amazon to Buy Minority Stake in Diamond Sports, Sinclair to Pay $495M in Settlement". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  67. ^ McCann, Michael; Coffey, Brendan; Crupi, Anthony (January 26, 2024). "Diamond Creditors Spar in Court Over Who Gets Paid First". Sportico. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  68. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (January 18, 2024). "What the new Diamond-Amazon deal means for MLB, NBA, NHL". ESPN. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  69. ^ Frankel, Daniel (February 2, 2024). "Diamond and MLB Mediate Deals to Keep the Rangers, Twins and Guardians on Bally Sports Through the 2024 Season". Next TV. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  70. ^ a b c Miller, Phill (February 9, 2024). "Twins officially will remain on Bally Sports North this season". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  71. ^ Crupi, Anthony (March 1, 2024). "Diamond Sports Files Official Re-org Plan, Will Cut Ties With Bally's". Sportico. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  72. ^ a b Jackson, Barry (July 2, 2024). "Panthers moving games off Bally sports in seismic switch. The two ways to watch them now". Miami Herald. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  73. ^ a b Cupri, Anthony (July 5, 2024). "STARS' LOCAL TV DEAL GOES SUPERNOVA AS TEAM AND RSN AGREE TO SPLIT". Sportico. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  74. ^ "Stars launching trailblazing streaming app to replace Bally Sports with free broadcasts". Dallas News. 2024-07-08. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  75. ^ a b Kaplan, Daniel (August 23, 2024). "Bally Sports RSNs reach new agreements with NHL, NBA for 2024-2025 seasons". Awful Announcing. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  76. ^ Crupi, Anthony; McCann, Michael (August 23, 2024). "Diamond Sports Group Reaches Deals With NBA, NHL". Sportico. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  77. ^ Friend, Tom (August 26, 2024). "Sources: Amazon pulls $115M offer to Diamond". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  78. ^ a b "Ducks Announce Partnerships with Victory+, KCOP Channel 13 to Televise All Regional Games for Free". NHL.com. August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  79. ^ Crupi, Anthony (October 8, 2024). "Diamond Looks to Retain Some MLB Contracts as Chapter 11 Exit Looms". Sportico. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  80. ^ "MLB to produce, distribute local games for Guardians, Brewers and Twins in 2025". MLB.com. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  81. ^ Crupi, Anthony (2024-10-08). "Guardians, Brewers, Twins Head to MLB Media as RSN Era Ends". Sportico.com. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  82. ^ Drellich, Evan (October 18, 2024). "Miami Marlins to return to Diamond Sports as MLB rips network's FanDuel naming-rights process". The Athletic. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  83. ^ Drellich, Evan (November 7, 2024). "Cardinals keep Diamond Sports as TV home, grant streaming rights". The Athletic. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  84. ^ Piazza, Jake; Rizzo, Lillian (November 8, 2024). "CNBC Sport MLB, Braves object to Diamond Sports reorganization plan, question company's future viability". CNBC. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  85. ^ a b c d e f Lerner, Drew (November 13, 2024). "Diamond bankruptcy exit looks likely, deals reached with three more MLB teams". Awful Announcing. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  86. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Partner with Gray's Peachtree TV to Broadcast 10 Games Free, Over the Air". NBA.com (Press release). December 30, 2023.
  87. ^ Gray, Doug (June 15, 2023). "What's next for the Cincinnati Reds and Bally Sports Ohio?". Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  88. ^ a b c d e f g Crupi, Anthony (October 2, 2024). "Diamond Sports Group Plans to Drop All MLB Teams Except Braves". Sportico. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  89. ^ "MLB to produce, distribute local Reds broadcasts in 2025". November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  90. ^ "Cavs Partner with Gray Television to Broadcast Select Games for Free Across Ohio". NBA.com. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  91. ^ Frankel, Daniel (July 7, 2023). "Diamond Pays the Cleveland Guardians to Keep Them on Bally Sports Through July". Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  92. ^ "WFAA to locally broadcast 10 of the Dallas Mavericks' remaining 2023-2024 NBA regular season games". wfaa.com. 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  93. ^ "Dallas Mavericks, WFAA sign multi-year deal to broadcast games over-the-air for free". wfaa.com. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  94. ^ "Stars and APMC pioneer game-changing VICTORY+ Sports Network". NHL.com. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  95. ^ "LA Kings Announce Television Schedule For 2023-24 Regular Season". NHL.com (Press release). September 14, 2023.
  96. ^ "Diamond Sports Group won't carry 11 MLB teams in 2025". ESPN. October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  97. ^ "WMLW The M to air 10 premium Milwaukee Bucks games". WMLW. January 28, 2024.
  98. ^ Miller, Phil (July 1, 2023). "Twins games will remain on Bally Sports for remainder of 2023 season". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
  99. ^ "WAFB will televise 10 of this season's Pelicans games" (Press release). WAFB. December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  100. ^ Clark, Christian (August 6, 2024). "Pelicans ditch Bally Sports, enter partnership with local station for new TV deal". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  101. ^ Kaplan, Daniel (August 23, 2024). "Bally Sports RSNs reach new agreements with NHL, NBA for 2024-2025 seasons". Awful Announcing. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  102. ^ "Thunder, Griffin Media Announce Plans to Air Remaining Friday Regular-Season Games". NBA.com. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  103. ^ "Cardinals announce multiyear deal with Diamond Sports Group". cardinals.com. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.