• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Bally Sports Parent Drops NHL’s Stars: RSN’s Future More Uncertain

  • The bankrupt regional sports network operator drops another NHL team.
  • The company seeks reorganization plan on July 29, with possible objections.
Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Diamond Sports Group is making another cut to its portfolio of pro teams, just weeks before a crucial court hearing, as the bankrupt Bally Sports parent continues its efforts to tailor its operations to a fast-changing market reality. 

The regional sports network operator has petitioned the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to drop the final year of its contract with the NHL’s Stars. DSG had been tied to the Stars in this current deal since 2014, when Bally Sports Southwest was still Fox Sports Southwest, but concluded that continued coverage of the team would be unprofitable.

“The debtors have determined that the costs associated with performing under the Stars agreement for its remaining term, including payment of substantial rights fees, outweigh the revenues the debtors are able to obtain through broadcasting Stars games,” DSG said in a court filing. “The associated costs are an unnecessary and unproductive use of estate assets.”

Unlike some of DSG’s initial, more chaotic rejections last year of teams such as MLB’s Padres and Diamondbacks, this situation does include mutual consent as the Stars have agreed to the move.

Following the Champs

The split between DSG and the Stars closely follows the Stanley Cup champion Panthers, which have departed DSG for a new deal with Scripps Sports to air games on over-the-air broadcast television. Like that team, the Golden Knights, and Utah Hockey Club, the Stars could ultimately make an embrace of over-the-air TV. 

The long-term future of Bally Sports Southwest, meanwhile, is perhaps now more uncertain with the departure of the Stars. The network is 90% owned by DSG and 10% by MLB’s Rangers, whose rights deal with the company expires after the current season. The NBA’s Mavericks, meanwhile, have been openly considering alternate options for its rights as well.

DSG now has rights to nine NHL teams, down from a prior set of 12. 

Rising Drama

The Stars decision also arrives as DSG intends to bring its reorganization plan up for formal approval at a confirmation hearing starting July 29. But MLB, the NHL, and the NBA have each expressed doubt about DSG’s ability to emerge as a viable company, and formal objections to the plan remain possible. 

While that hearing approaches, DSG also remains locked in bitter carriage disputes with both Comcast and Altice USA’s Optimum, and is not airing on either system. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks to media during a press conference before NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Adam Silver Doesn’t Want NBA Europe to Be a ‘Top-Heavy League’ 

Silver said he doesn’t want the prospective league to be like European soccer.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.
September 15, 2025

Chiefs’ Fall to 0–2 Dims the Spotlight on NFL’s Top TV Draw

The NFL’s most-watched team sinks to a new low since Patrick Mahomes arrived.