In Wednesday's press conference, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred detailed what the future for teams whose games are broadcast on Bally Sports.
Last month, Bloomberg reported that Diamond Sports Group, which operates Bally Sports, is expected to file for bankruptcy. The group missed a $140 million interest payment, that brought to light its financial struggles as consumers continue to forgo cable in favor of internet streaming providers.Fourteen clubs, including the Diamondbacks, have broadcast agreements with Bally Sports. League-wide, approximately 21% of MLB’s $10.8 billion in annual revenue comes from local broadcast agreements.
One potential benefit, though, could come with a loosening of MLB.TV’s blackout restrictions. Currently, games on the league’s streaming service are blacked out in local markets. If Bally is unable to broadcast games, that could change. Still, it provides a potential pathway for a permanent change. Essentially, the reason for the blackout rule is that it increases the price at which teams can sell their broadcast rights to regional sports networks. If 14 of those agreements are severed at once, the calculus for ending blackout restrictions league-wide becomes much simpler.
“I think for a period of time, there will be a legacy cable bundle model, including RSNs,” Manfred said. “It's gonna be smaller than what we're used to, certainly smaller than it was in its heyday. But it's gonna remain significant because there's economics associated there that are important to the game.
“Most people who pay attention to our game realize that we do have a disparity issue in the game, both on the revenue side and consequently on the ability to spend on players,” Manfred acknowledged.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MLB commissioner says league is prepared if Bally Sports parent goes bankruptBaseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is prepared for whatever happens with Diamond Sports Group after the financially troubled parent company of...
Read more »
Bally Sports Parent Company Skips Interest Payment, Expected To File BankruptcyBally Sports Parent Company Skips Interest Payment, Expected To File Bankruptcy - RealGM Wiretap
Read more »
Padres TV broadcasts not likely to be affected by Bally Sports parent company's financial woesDiamond Sports Group is expected to file for bankruptcy, a move that could cost Padres, other big league teams millions in revenue
Read more »
Bally's announces dealer training school for Chicago casinoBally’s is launching a training school this spring to teach Chicagoans the skills needed to begin a career in gaming when the River North casino opens for business.
Read more »
Chicago casino: Bally's, City Colleges of Chicago team up for table games dealer trainingLooking for Chicago casino jobs? Bally's will team up with City Colleges of Chicago this spring to train people to become table games dealers.
Read more »