• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Want a chance to win $250? Take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us improve with your feedback! Take the Survey

Diamondbacks Reunion With Bally Sports Possible After Hearing Delay

  • Team, RSN owner say “ongoing and positive discussions” are happening.
  • Court hearing originally set for Thursday adjourned to July 17.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Arizona Diamondbacks reunite with Bally Sports? 

A new court filing from Diamond Sports Group, the regional sports network’s bankrupt parent, suggests it’s possible.

Less than a week after DSG filed an emergency motion in U.S. bankruptcy court in Texas to reject its rights deal with the Diamondbacks, a hearing on that motion originally set for Thursday has been adjourned to July 17. Diamondbacks president/CEO Derrick Hall and DSG CEO David Preschlack issued a joint statement saying the parties “decided to postpone [the] hearing due to ongoing and positive discussions toward finding a solution.” 

The comment notably changes DSG’s tone from last week, when it described the unprofitable Diamondbacks rights deal as “unnecessary and burdensome.”

Bally Sports Arizona will continue to show the team’s games in the interim.

DSG recently made a rights fee payment to the Texas Rangers but still has upcoming fees due to the Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins. Following MLB owners meetings earlier this month, league commissioner Rob Manfred said “we’re kind of going day-to-day” on the troubled RSN front.

If DSG abandons any of its MLB team rights, the league would step in to produce and distribute the games, similar to what it’s doing now for the San Diego Padres.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Cup Opener Sees Big Ratings Boost As Star Power Dominates

Viewership was up 71% for the first day of the Emirates NBA Cup games.

DSG to Emerge From Bankruptcy: New Game Plan, MLB Deals in Place

The regional sports network operator gains court approval to emerge from Chapter 11 protection.

MLB Withdraws Objection, Clearing DSG’s Path Out of Bankruptcy

The swift reversal will likely aid confirmation of the RSN operator’s reorganization plan.

Why Liberty Media Spun Off Assets, Shook Up Leadership

Longtime CEO Greg Maffei is stepping down at the end of the year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Will Drew Brees Return to Broadcasting?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Amazon-Thursday-Night-Football

How International Sports Streaming Rights Is ‘Trench Warfare’ Now

Netflix’s WWE deal could be a template for other leagues looking to go global.
November 13, 2024

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.
November 14, 2024

Bob Iger Calls ESPN’s Upcoming Flagship the Best Sports Product Ever

The full, streaming version of ESPN will feature a wide array of advanced features.
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.
November 13, 2024

DSG Introduces NBA, NHL Single-Game Streaming Despite Bankruptcy

The regional sports network operator introduces single-game view options for its NBA and NHL teams.
November 12, 2024

NBA’s Declining Viewership Gets Steph Curry Bump

Last Wednesday’s Warriors-Celtics game averaged 2.14 million viewers.
November 12, 2024

Chiefs-Bills Clash Could Set Ratings High, and CBS Is Going Big

CBS is set to broadcast “The NFL Today” on-site from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
November 12, 2024

Netflix NFL Christmas Doubleheader Will Be Tracked by Nielsen

The move aligns with how Amazon measures “Thursday Night Football” audiences.