Bally Sports recently lost the rights to NBA and NHL teams along with 2 MLB teams, and the Padres and Diamondbacks were not compensated. Additionally, the NBA Phonix Suns left recently after deciding not to extend their TV contracts with Bally Sports and to instead stream their matches for free on Grey Television over the air.
According to a recent filing from a consortium that represents these franchises. It now appears that Bally Sports may lose further NBA teams and NHL teams.
The parent business of Diamond Sports, Diamond Sports Group, has asked to extend negotiations with the NBA and NHL franchises for 120 days. This would delay a decision on team payment arrangements. Before the 2023 season begins, the leagues want a deal on payments to the NBA and NHL franchises. In order to achieve a settlement before the start of their seasons. The leagues have now urged the courts to limit the extension.
Currently, Bally Sports must choose between paying the full contracts of the NBA and NHL teams and attempting to renegotiate unprofitable contracts. This is extremely similar to the recent experience we had with MLB teams. That led to the termination of two teams’ TV contracts with Bally Sports.
Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks are the NBA teams with which Bally Sports currently has contracts.
Bally Sports NHL Future: What to Expect
Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Los Angeles Kings are the NHL teams with which Bally Sports currently has relationships.
Most, if not all, of the teams will most likely be kept by Bally Sports for a fee. Bally Sports is likely seeking to come to an agreement to scale back or stop paying unproductive teams entirely.
On October 24, 2023, the 2023 NBA season will get underway. The NBA probably wants a contract with all of its teams completed by this time.
The NHL will kick out its 2023 campaign on October 10th. A date for which it probably hopes to work out an agreement with Bally Sports.
We will have to wait and see what occurs for the time being. Both parties want to come to an agreement, much like with the MLB.
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