Diamond Sports Group doesn’t yet know for certain if it will be able to emerge from bankruptcy. But it’s already beginning to act as if it’s on the other side of its reorganization process.
The embattled regional sports network operator introduced a single-game streaming option for the 21 total NBA and NHL teams in its portfolio, with those contests available to viewers starting at $6.99 each starting Dec. 5. Monthly and annual subscriptions will remain available.
Several other networks and leagues across the sports streaming landscape already offer similar, single-game options. But for DSG, the timing is notable as its announcement of the new offering arrived less than 48 hours ahead of a critical hearing before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court starting Thursday to confirm its reorganization plan, and the start date for the slimmed-down streaming is after that court appearance.
“This is yet another example of how we remain committed to delivering an array of viewing options and features to make it easier for our viewers to watch their favorite teams,” said Michael Schneider, FanDuel Sports Network COO of direct-to-consumer, in a statement.
DSG has also been busy elsewhere in recent days, striking a revised rights deal with MLB’s Cardinals, and nearing similarly reworked agreements with the Angels and Marlins. MLB, however, has formally objected to the company’s reorganization, and the single-game viewing option, at least for now, does not apply to this league.
Document Dump
Over the final two days before the confirmation hearing, DSG filed a series of updated documents with the court in preparation for that session. The latest filings are part of the company’s attempt to present a new-look, streamlined version of itself that includes restructured debt, a new name for the RSNs, and a retooled programming portfolio.
To that end, DSG contended its “plan is feasible and that there is a reasonable prospect of the post-effective date debtors being able to meet their financial obligations under the plan and in the ordinary course of business, and that confirmation of the plan is not likely to be followed by liquidation or the need for further financial reorganization.”
A Done Deal With Amazon
DSG also announced on Wednesday afternoon a long-expected, multiyear distribution agreement with Amazon that will make FanDuel Sports Network content available through the online retail and streaming giant.
Individual RSNs will be available through Amazon Prime Video as “an add-on subscription for customers living within each team’s designated geographic area.”
The pact has been in the works for months. While it does not include an equity component that had been originally contemplated it does widen the footprint for DSG content considerably, and helps forge a different type of business model in an industry still facing large-scale challenges. The agreement is not exclusive, and DSG is expected to seek out other distribution partners.
DSG CEO David Preschlack said the Amazon deal “creates a tremendous opportunity for us to expand our reach and better connect with viewers.”
