• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Diamond Sports Group Files for Bankruptcy Protection

  • The Sinclair subsidiary owns 19 Bally Sports-branded regional sports networks.
  • The company will continue to produce games during restructuring.
Bally Sports reporter interviews Detroit Lions player
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Diamond Sports Group’s long-awaited bankruptcy filing finally hit the court docket Tuesday night. 

The Sinclair subsidiary that owns and operates 19 Bally Sports-branded regional sports networks sought bankruptcy protection in a bid to restructure $8 billion in debt. 

The petition filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas came as a 30-day grace period triggered when Diamond Sports missed a $140 million interest payment on Feb. 15 that was set to expire. 

Diamond Sports is on the hook for about $2 billion in rights fees annually with nearly half of that going to the 14 MLB teams it carries. MLB responded to the turmoil by creating a local media department, helmed by three former RSN execs.  

While MLB geared up for the possibility of producing and broadcasting games via MLB.tv, Diamond Sports said it expects to “continue to operate in the ordinary course during the Chapter 11 process.”

In a statement, MLB reiterated its ready and able to step in if Diamond’s Bally RSN’s can’t or won’t televise games this season.

“Despite Diamond’s economic situation, there is every expectation that they will continue televising all games they are committed to during the bankruptcy process.  Major League Baseball is ready to produce and distribute games to fans in their local markets in the event that Diamond or any other regional sports network is unable to do so as required by their agreement with our Clubs,” said the league. “Having streamed live games on MLB.TV for more than 20 years and produced live games for MLB Network since 2009, we have the experience and capabilities to deliver games to fans uninterrupted.  In addition, we have hired additional seasoned local media professionals to bolster our capabilities in anticipation of this development.”

Diamond Sports’ debt load isn’t far off what Sinclair paid to acquire the RSNs along with chunks of Marquee and YES Network from Disney in August 2019. Federal regulators mandated Disney to divest the RSNs as part of its purchase of Twenty-First Century Fox.

The trend of cord-cutting — where cable and satellite customers paid for an RSN as part of a bundle — picked up steam after the Sinclair purchase. The company responded with Bally’s Sports+ last year, which starts at $19.99 a month.

Editor’s Note: This story has been update with statement from MLB.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

MLB Extends Leaves of Clase, Ortiz as Betting Probe Continues

Their paid non-disciplinary leaves have been extended “until further notice.”
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
August 28, 2025

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
September 1, 2025

Lee Corso’s Farewell Delivers Record ‘College GameDay’ Viewership

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers, per preliminary figures.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.