• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

DSG Nears Deals With Comcast, NBA, NHL to Aid Reorganization

  • The bankrupt Bally Sports parent company nears deals with Comcast, the NBA, and the NHL.
  • A lawyer for the regional sports network operator warns that failing to reorganize is still possible.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Diamond Sports Group is closing in on a big trifecta of agreements that could give the bankrupt regional sports network operator a sizable leg up in its reorganization efforts. 

The Bally Sports parent told a U.S. bankruptcy court Wednesday that it is postponing a scheduled July 29 hearing to confirm its reorganization plan. The delay is aimed at giving the company more time to complete not only a distribution deal with Comcast but new programming contracts with the NBA and NHL.

The pacts, if finalized, would resolve three of DSG’s more problematic areas in recent months. Comcast pulled Bally Sports stations off its systems in May, a major flashpoint in a growing carriage battle involving the No. 2 U.S. cable carrier. According to industry sources, DSG is expected to agree to Comcast’s long-held insistence that the Bally Sports RSNs move to a premium-level tier, just as it has recently treated similar channels such as the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network and SportsNet Pittsburgh. 

The NBA and NHL, meanwhile, have both made plain before the court their concerns about DSG emerging from bankruptcy as a viable company. Reaching new agreements would clearly signal a change in sentiment, and perhaps place more pressure on MLB, which in recent months has been the most outspoken among the major pro leagues about their frustration with DSG. 

“While no agreements have been reached at this time, these discussions are ongoing … with significant progress being made,” said DSG attorney Brian Hermann. 

Not Quite Done

DSG has not yet established a new schedule to confirm its reorganization plan, but Hermann intends the timetable to move by “days, and not weeks.” The final timing will, of course, depend on if and when the company is able to complete any or all of the three contracts. A key driver of the final schedule will also be the October starts of the 2024–2025 NBA and NHL seasons, which DSG intends to precede with its deals. 

Despite the tone of optimism Hermann sought to convey before Judge Christopher Lopez, the lawyer nonetheless said there is still a chance of the talks failing and DSG ultimately not being able to reorganize. 

“That is not our focus today, but that is a possibility, and that’s not lost on us,” Hermann said. 

None of the involved leagues commented during Wednesday’s status conference with the court.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bradley Beal
exclusive

‘Brad Doesn’t Like Change’: Beal Agent Says He Wants Long-Term Clippers Deal

Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns on Wednesday.

Cleveland’s WNBA Team Follows Golden State’s Proven Blueprint

The franchise will play its first WNBA season in 2028.
Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark Out for WNBA All-Star Game, 3-Point Contest With Injury

Clark and Satou Sabally will miss the game with injuries.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.
July 16, 2025

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
July 17, 2025

ESPN Bidding Against NBC, Apple for MLB Rights Package

The league continues to negotiate with multiple media-rights bidders.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 15, 2025

MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.7M Viewers on ESPN, Up 5%

ESPN reverses the trend from last year and registers audience growth.
July 15, 2025

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark
exclusive
July 15, 2025

‘Good Morning America’ Will Air From WNBA All-Star in First

The All-Star Game’s relevance has exploded with the league in recent years.
NBC Sports
exclusive
July 14, 2025

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.