• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 14, 2025

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

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.

Caitlin Clark Effect: Lasting Impact on Women’s College Hoops Viewership?

Women’s March Madness starts March 16 with Selection Sunday.

NASCAR’s New Media Deals Launch As Michael Jordan’s Lawsuit Looms

The Daytona 500 begins the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Dallas Teams Ditch RSNs for New Models. Will Others Follow?

The Metroplex is a crucible of a broader wave of industry change.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
breaking

YouTube TV, Paramount Reach Temporary Extension to Avoid Blackout

YouTube TV subscribers can breathe a sigh of relief—for now.
February 13, 2025

YouTube TV Faces CBS Blackout As March Madness, Masters Loom

The carriage dispute threatens viewer access to several major sports events.
Kanye West
February 13, 2025

Fox Breaks Silence on Kanye Super Bowl Swastika Ad

The ads ran in at least four markets, three operated by Fox.
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.
February 13, 2025

Vice TV Signs BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing Amid Surprising Sports Pivot

Vice Media Group filed for bankruptcy in 2023.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee and Michael Cole and Wade Barrett celebrate with Jey Uso during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.
February 12, 2025

WWE’s Michael Cole: Pat McAfee Made Work ‘Fun’

Cole is the host of “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” which debuts on A&E this Sunday.
February 12, 2025

Luka Dončić Lakers Debut Peaked at 2.55M Viewers

Dončić played just 24 minutes in the Lakers’ blowout win.
February 12, 2025

Can NBC Capitalize on Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Trio in 2026?

The network will offer an arguably unrivaled confluence of events next February.