• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Regional Sports Network Chaos Creates Team Payroll Problems

  • Concerns grow regarding stability of key revenue source for MLB clubs
  • More decisions on what teams DSG will air in 2024 expected by year’s end
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

After a full season of uncertainty for MLB thanks to Diamond Sports Group’s ongoing bankruptcy, the other shoe is dropping for clubs planning for the 2024 season.

The embattled Bally Sports parent told a U.S. bankruptcy court in Texas on Wednesday that it no longer has any ties to the Minnesota Twins, as the company’s rights deal with the club expired with the end of the 2023 season. 

As a result, the AL Central champions said they are planning to retreat — at least to some degree — from this year’s franchise record payroll of $156 million.

“We’ve pushed our payroll to heights that we had never pushed it before with the support, certainty, of ownership,” Twins GM Derek Falvey said at this week’s MLB GM meetings. “We know there is some natural ebb and flow to that. Will it be where it was last year? I don’t expect that.”

Broad Impact

The Twins are not alone. Even as DSG said earlier this week it intends to keep 10 of the 12 MLB teams it aired throughout the 2023 season, the economics surrounding those decisions are murky, and the company still left open the possibility that more MLB club rights could be rejected before the end of the year. 

DSG itself continues to face challenges from its creditors, distributors, pro teams in other sports — even its own parent company, Sinclair Inc. — and it isn’t certain that the company will survive Chapter 11 reorganization. 

As MLB prepares to handle the local rights for as many as 16 teams, as of last year, commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged teams will suffer at least a short-term revenue hit during this transition period.

“It’s certainly daunting,” Brewers GM Matt Arnold told The Athletic. “We just have to make sure we, as an industry, are aligned with the best ways to generate revenue … It’s certainly a challenge in our industry for sure, especially in the smallest market in the league.”

DSG’s reorganization bid was aided earlier this week by a deal with the NBA, which will regain local rights currently held by Bally Sports at the end of this season. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Josh McCray (2) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) in the second half at Sanford Stadium.
exclusive
October 2, 2025

College Football Viewership Is Up Double Digits. Here’s Why

Average game viewership is up by more than 10% so far.
October 6, 2025

Mark Sanchez Charged With New Felony in Indianapolis Case

The broadcaster and ex-NFL quarterback faces up to six years in prison.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2025

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws the ball during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
October 1, 2025

Alabama-Georgia Draws 10.4M Viewers, Drives Record CFB Season Pace

ABC drew 10.4 million viewers for Alabama-Georgia.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
September 24, 2025

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.