Bridge Michigan’s Bill Shea posted a lengthy article in which he discusses the potential outcomes surrounding Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy. Diamond is the parent company of the Bally Sports networks, and as you probably already know, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings all have broadcast deals with Bally Sports Detroit:
One potential solution to the distribution uncertainty is unfolding out West: The owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz intends to air next season’s games on a local broadcast station and on a to-be-rolled-out streaming app, which the team says will reach more fans. Jazz games had aired on AT&T SportsNet, one of a small handful of RSNs owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is exiting the RSN business and isn’t challenging the switchover.
A similar plan in Arizona has been blocked for now. Metro Detroit wholesale mortgage billionaire Mat Ishbia, who bought the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury basketball teams earlier this year, proposed walking away from Bally Sports Arizona in favor of a local broadcast TV and streaming plan. But his plan is halted for now by a federal judge after Diamond filed suit.
Depending on how the Diamond bankruptcy plays out, a hybrid system of free local TV and paid streaming could be in store for fans of Michigan’s three major league teams.
Commercial television broadcasters in Michigan have taken note of the proposed RSN solutions in other markets, Friedman said.
“The next model is going to be splintered. That’s going to be very different around the state. I’m hearing that the teams and owners of broadcast TV stations are considering how over-the-air (traditional) TV could be a part of a new sports model,” Friedman said.
Bally Sports Detroit, on cable and via streaming, likely will be part of the delivery model for years to come, but additional options may emerge. And baseball has the option of putting home games, if necessary, on the league’s subscription MLB.TV that’s currently used for fans to watch out-of-market games.
Continued (at length)
