Diamond Sports Group

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 operating as a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and partnered with Allen Media Group. The company operates FanDuel Sports Network, a group of regional sports channels that was formerly known as the Fox Sports Networks. 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]

Bankruptcy

[edit]

On March 14, 2023, Diamond Sports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy,[19] 30 days after they failed to make a $140M interest payment.[20] 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 plans to separate from Sinclair and become an entirely new entity.[21]

During its bankruptcy, Diamond has ended its broadcasting agreements or lost the rights to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 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.[22][23][24][25] 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.[26][27][28][29][30][31][32]

On April 5, 2023, Major League Baseball filed an emergency motion asking the bankruptcy judge to order Diamond to pay the teams they missed payments to or give the media rights back to the MLB. Diamond argued that because of cord-cutting the contract rate for the media rights of the teams was too high.[33][32][29][34] As an interim, on April 19, the bankruptcy judge ordered Diamond Sports to pay 50% of what the Diamondbacks, Guardians, Twins and Rangers are owed.[35] On June 1, 2023, after a two day-long hearing, the bankruptcy judge ordered Diamond to pay the teams fully within five days.[36] Diamond would go on to pay the Rangers and Twins for the remainder of the season and the Guardians through July.[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][28] 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.[24] 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.[23]

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]

On October 18, Diamond renegotiated with the Marlins. The same day, Diamond announced a new sponsorship agreement with FanDuel, which will see Bally Sports rebrand as the FanDuel Sports Network on October 21.[82][83] 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 exists Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[84][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, October 2024 Missed payment in April 2023, later paid in full. Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season.[87][88]
Cleveland Cavaliers February 2024 5 games acquired by Gray Television, remaining games on Bally Sports[89]
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.[90][70][25]
Dallas Mavericks January 2024, August 2024 For the 2023–24 season, 10 games acquired by Tegna Inc., remaining games on Bally Sports.[91] Contract terminated prior to the 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Tegna Inc.[92]
Dallas Stars July 2024 Contract terminated prior to the 2024–25 season, TV rights acquired by Victory+[73][93]
Detroit Tigers October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season[88]
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[88]
Los Angeles Angels October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season[88]
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.[94]
Miami Marlins October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season[88]
Milwaukee Brewers October 2024 Contract expired following 2024 MLB season, rights returned to MLB.[95][25]
Milwaukee Bucks January 2024 10 games acquired by Weigel Broadcasting, remaining games on Bally Sports[96]
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.[97][70][25]
Missouri Valley Conference Network September 2024 Contract expired following 2023–24 season, TV rights acquired by Gray Television[22]
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.[98][99][100]
Oklahoma City Thunder January 2024 8 games acquired by Griffin Media, remaining games on Bally Sports[101]
Orlando Magic October 2023 Missed payment in October 2023, later paid in full[28]
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 October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season[88]
Tampa Bay Rays October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 MLB season[88]
Texas Rangers October 2024 Contract terminated following 2024 season[88]

References

[edit]
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  86. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Partner with Gray's Peachtree TV to Broadcast 10 Games Free, Over the Air". NBA.com (Press release). December 30, 2023.
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  96. ^ "WMLW The M to air 10 premium Milwaukee Bucks games". WMLW. January 28, 2024.
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