• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Teams Continuing To Capitalize On Crumbling RSNs

  • Owner of Red Sox, Liverpool, Penguins closes in on pact for Pittsburgh RSN
  • Agreement would build on ownership group’s existing control of NESN
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sydney Crosby skates with puck down ice
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to Fenway Sports Group, another franchise is close to owning the rights to broadcast its own games.

The parent organization of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, and NESN is nearing a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to acquire AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, the regional sports network that airs both the Penguins and MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but for the past six months, Warner Bros. Discovery has actively sought to exit the RSN business, one under significant stress — as highlighted by the ongoing bankruptcy of Bally Sports parent Diamond Sports Group.

“With the recent changes at AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, Warner Bros. Discovery, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and NESN have been working collaboratively to ensure that fans have access to their favorite teams this fall,” said a joint statement from the Penguins and two RSNs. “Discussions are progressing well, and we expect exciting news in the coming weeks.”

Other Team Markets In Flux

The Penguins begin their 2023-24 regular season on Oct. 10, so a series of announcements on the team’s local broadcast plans are expected before that date. It’s still unknown whether the Pirates will remain in the FSG-led structure at the RSN, but club owner Bob Nutting holds a good working relationship with John Henry and Tom Werner, his counterparts in Boston.

Warner Bros. Discovery also holds ownership stakes of RSNs in Seattle, Denver, and Houston. A deal is in development to sell the Houston network to the MLB’s Astros and NBA’s Rockets, while the greater likelihood in Denver is that AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain will just shutter. 

Meanwhile, MLB’s Mariners have majority-owned Root Sports Northwest for a decade.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.

Liverpool’s $598M Transfer Spree: End of the Title Race Already?

A deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak highlights a record outlay.
Apr 13, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) talk before a face-off against the Boston Bruins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena.

Fenway Sports Weighs Penguins Options Amid ‘Serious’ Suitor

FSG previously said it was exploring the sale of a minority stake.

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
YouTube/ Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.

YouTube in Another Carriage Dispute, This Time With Disney

ESPN and ABC could be dropped from the No. 4 U.S. pay-TV distributor.
May 17, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.
October 23, 2025

Mets, Yankees, and the Nielsen Debate That Won’t Go Away

Weeks after the end of the MLB regular season, viewership issues remain.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center
October 23, 2025

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Brian Windhorst
October 23, 2025

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
October 22, 2025

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
Candace Parker
October 22, 2025

Candace Parker Wants NFL-Style Coverage From NBA Media

Amazon will stream its first NBA doubleheader Friday.
Netflix
October 21, 2025

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.