• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 9, 2025

New Orleans Pelicans Reportedly Headed For Local Television

  • The New Orleans Pelicans and local over-the-air channel Fox 8 are reportedly to a deal to show games this season.
  • NBA franchises are considering alternatives in the fallout of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy and the general collapse of regional sports networks.
Detailed view of the new In-Season Tournament court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly close to becoming the next NBA team to ditch Bally Sports for a local over-the-air solution.

As part of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy agreement with the NBA, teams will have the opportunity to televise 10 games with an over-the-air broadcaster as they prepare for Bally to revert local television rights after the 2023-24 season. For the Pelicans, that station will be Fox 8, per The Times-Picayune.

The two sides must figure out a few technical issues and navigate Bally’s financial problems before a deal is solidified. If a deal comes to fruition, it likely won’t be until mid-to-late December.

A successful partnership between the Pels and Fox 8 would allow the team to consider over-the-air broadcasters when negotiating a new local rights deal this summer; The Time-Picayune notes that Bally Sports can only reach 700,000 households, while Fox 8 can reach 7 million. 

New Orleans is just the most recent NBA franchise to consider alternatives in the fallout of DSG’s bankruptcy and the general collapse of regional sports networks.

As part of its deal with Gray Television, the Phoenix Suns are distributing free antennas so that fans can watch the team’s games over the air on one of Gray’s local channels; the Suns were previously shown on Bally Sports Arizona. 

The Utah Jazz switched from AT&T SportsNet to local station KJZZ and also launched their own streaming service to show games on a subscription basis.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Super Bowl Ticket Prices Still Dropping As Lodging Costs Soar

Prices have fallen by another 20% since Monday amid a local lodging crunch.
exclusive

Greg Olsen: Fox Relationship Is Positive, but ‘My Aspirations Have Not Changed’

Olsen stood by his Fox colleagues but said his “aspirations have not changed.”
Jan 31, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the downtown New Orleans skyline and Benson Tower and Mercedes-Benz Superdome in advance of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Battle for the Super Bowl: Can New Orleans Still Host the..

New Orleans’s Super Bowl future is up against tough competition from newer stadiums.

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
exclusive

5 Big Sound Bites From Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX

Straight shooting from Greg Olsen, Billie Jean King, and more.
February 7, 2025

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.
February 7, 2025

Jameis Winston Eyes NFL Return, but Keeps Door Open for Potential TV..

Jameis Winston played for the Browns last season.
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.
Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton (44) leads Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit.
February 7, 2025

Netflix Exploring Bid for Formula One Rights in U.S. Starting 2026

ESPN holds the rights to F1 through 2025.
February 7, 2025

How Much Longer Can Fox Sports Keep the Top-Rated Pregame Crew Together?

The three have been at Fox NFL Sunday since 1994.
Stephen A. Smith
exclusive
February 5, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Says Deal to Return to ESPN Coming ‘Very, Very..

Smith’s old contract was set to expire this summer.
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; FOX broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
February 5, 2025

Tom Brady Cagey About Scope of Role With Raiders

Brady was approved as a minority owner in the Raiders in October.