Friday, May 1, 2026

DSG’s Survival Chances Improve With Amazon, Sinclair Deals

  • Operator of Bally Sports RSNs strikes separate deals with streaming giant, its own corporate parent.
  • Long-term programming plans remain unknown.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Diamond Sports Group’s prospects of emerging from bankruptcy and continuing as a viable business have received a sizable boost through a restructuring agreement that brings in Amazon as a minority investor, as well as a legal settlement with DSG parent Sinclair Inc. 

Confirming prior reports, Amazon has agreed to invest in the Bally Sports parent and the deal will establish Prime Video as DSG’s “primary partner” for fans to access the regional sports networks on a direct-to-consumer basis. Amazon’s investment runs parallel to a $450 million restructuring agreement for DSG with its debt holders. The deal also significantly expands Amazon’s presence in live sports in the U.S. beyond its existing relationships with the NFL, New York Yankees, NASCAR, and fighting promotion Premier Boxing Champions. 

DSG said it will announce at a later date details such as pricing and availability of live games through Prime Video. Prior to these deals, DSG’s long-term survival had been in serious question. 

“We are thrilled to have reached a comprehensive restructuring agreement that provides a detailed framework for a reorganization plan and substantial new financing that will enable Diamond to operate and thrive beyond 2024,” said David Preschlack, DSG CEO.

DSG, meanwhile, has also reached an agreement in principle to settle its prior legal dispute against Sinclair, resolving a $1.5 billion fraud claim against its parent company. That deal will see Sinclair pay DSG $495 million—a figure projecting to be a net cost of about $250 million to $325 million after subtracting tax benefits and other management services payments paid by DSG back to Sinclair. The settlement is subject to bankruptcy court approval.

While the two agreements give DSG a far greater framework from which to operate, significant questions remain about what live sports programming it will offer long-term. Prior deals with the NBA and NHL will see DSG give back its team rights in those leagues after the 2023-24 seasons. A similar agreement is in development with MLB, and that league is objecting to Amazon having streaming rights in baseball beyond 2024 absent a larger, negotiated agreement. DSG, in effect, will be tasked with starting over and rebuilding a slate of local rights.

A status conference in DSG’s bankruptcy case is slated for Wednesday, a session that will precede a larger scheduled hearing for Friday. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Mark Cuban Admits He Wanted to Buy Back Mavericks

“That’s just not the game anymore.”
Cleveland Browns players Denzel Ward and Carson Schwesinger, left, join with others as they take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, Ohio on April 30, 2026.

Browns Break Ground on New Stadium, but Funding Still in Limbo

State and local funding for the planned venue is not yet solidified.
AUSL Golden Ticket

‘Golden Tickets’ Could Juice AUSL College Draft

The ticket ensures players will be selected by a team in May.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

7 Questions About LIV After Saudis Pull Funding

LIV’s 2026 season is scheduled to run through August.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
Brandon Marshall Portfolio Players
April 30, 2026

Brandon Marshall: Why I Walked Away From Sports Talk TV

The ex-NFL wideout previously starred on FS1.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2026

NFL Network Dark on Comcast in First Carriage Dispute Under ESPN

The dispute does not involve Disney or ESPN’s other channels.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 29, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6 million viewers.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.