• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Bettman: The NHL Is Working on Backup Plans for Local Broadcasts

  • Bettman sets key priorities as RSN disruption continues.
  • Long-awaited agreement to modify Bally Sports contracts remains in development.
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has been on the clock, so to speak, in expectation of a reworked deal with Diamond Sports Group for the local media rights of 11 teams. That agreement has yet to materialize, but league commissioner Gary Bettman said contingency plans are actively being prepared should the NHL need to step in to produce and distribute broadcasts.

“The biggest concern is making sure fans have access to our games,” Bettman told the Dallas Morning News. “We’re preparing alternatives for clubs. We’re going to make sure we’re in a position where games are available, and we’re going to seek to evolve with the times because the model has obviously been under some stress.”

Bettman’s comments arrive more than six weeks after the NHL was said to be nearing a deal to get back certain local rights ahead of schedule in return for contract modifications for DSG, the bankrupt parent of the Bally Sports regional sports networks. The NBA struck a similarly revised deal with DSG and will regain its affected rights at the end of the 2023-24 season, setting up a potentially historic intertwining of that league’s local and national media rights in its next cycle. 

While the NHL’s pact remains in development and DSG’s long-term survival is still an open question, Bettman said the league is actively working to establish a new economic framework for its local media rights, just as the NBA and MLB are doing.

“The longer-term business strategy is something that’s going to have to evolve,” Bettman said.

The NHL’s local rights contemplation coincides with Amazon’s reported consideration of an investment in DSG, a scenario that could materially change the company’s outlook. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Clark Hunt: Chiefs Will Decide on Stadium Plans by Summer

The Chiefs owner also addresses TV, Patrick Mahomes, and the White House.
Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a television camera operator during the game between the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Sources: NFL ‘Virtual Lock’ to Opt Out of Media-Rights Deals

Data continues to support an early opt-out of the league’s rights.

NFL Owners Face Big Decisions on 18th Game, Streaming, Rules

The league approaches its key offseason gathering with a sense of resurgent growth.

Featured Today

Brehanna Daniels

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Columbia, SC - February 16, 2025 - Colonial Life Arena: Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco during a regular season game.
March 30, 2025

Inside Ryan Ruocco’s Rapid Rise to ESPN’s Top Voice of Women’s Hoops

The top voice became “quickly addicted” to calling the women’s game.
Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
March 29, 2025

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.
Kendall Coyne Schofield
March 25, 2025

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”

Former ESPN Reporter Zach Lowe Rejoins Bill Simmons at The Ringer

Lowe worked with Ringer co-founder Bill Simmons at Grantland.
exclusive
March 28, 2025

ESPN Making Erin Dolan In-Game Betting Analyst for UFL Games

Erin Dolan will provide betting news and notes during game broadcasts.
March 31, 2025

Yankees RSN and Comcast Clash Intensifies As Deadline for Deal Nears

The invective escalates as a contract deadline approaches Monday night.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Both teams line the field during the singing of the national anthem prior to the start of the opening day game between the NY Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
March 27, 2025

Yankees RSN, Comcast Reach Last-Minute Extension in Ongoing Dispute

The two sides will keep negotiating as large-scale issues remain unresolved.
March 26, 2025

Yankees RSN Faces Comcast Blackout Threat Ahead of Opening Day

The Yankees-led RSN and the No. 2 U.S. cable carrier clash again.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pursued by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
March 26, 2025

RFK-Threatened Pharma Ad Ban Wouldn’t Hurt NFL Broadcasters

It wouldn’t be the first effort to restrict drug ads.
Apr 5, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; General view of Yankee Stadium before an opening day game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays.
March 25, 2025

Could ESPN Have a Future With MLB? Network Hints at Renegotiation

The Disney-owned network signals a willingness to renegotiate.