Fans of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are eagerly awaiting news on how they will be able to watch local games in the upcoming National Basketball Association season. Both teams are making a significant change by moving away from their regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports, as outlined in a recent bankruptcy court filing. With the NBA season on the horizon, the focus is now on where these teams will choose to air their games, with a history of utilizing local broadcasters.
New Broadcasting Agreements
The Pelicans have reportedly struck a deal with Gray Television to broadcast their games this season, with sources confirming earlier reports. The exact details of this agreement have not been disclosed as representatives for Gray and the Pelicans have chosen not to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, who made an appearance in last season’s NBA Finals, had a previous agreement with Tegna’s Dallas-Fort Worth stations to broadcast 13 games. It remains unclear who will take over broadcasting duties for the Mavericks going forward.
The Mavericks and Pelicans are just the latest NBA teams to shift their regular-season games away from Diamond-owned regional sports networks, which operate under the Bally Sports brand. Diamond Sports has faced financial challenges over the past 18 months, prompting teams from various leagues to seek alternatives for broadcasting their games. In light of these changes, Diamond Sports will receive payments from both the Mavericks and Pelicans as part of the termination of their agreements.
Restructuring Amid Bankruptcy
As Diamond Sports navigates its bankruptcy proceedings, the company has been working to secure new broadcast and streaming rights agreements with the NBA and NHL for the upcoming season. These agreements are pivotal in the company’s efforts to exit bankruptcy protection. CEO David Preschlack expressed gratitude for the partnerships with the leagues, highlighting these deals as crucial milestones in the restructuring process.
Diamond Sports has struggled in the face of the cable industry’s decline, leading to the launch of a sports-only streaming service in 2022. However, the company’s substantial debt load ultimately led to its bankruptcy filing. With the NBA and NHL seasons fast approaching, Diamond is under pressure to develop a sustainable business model and demonstrate its ability to meet financial obligations. Despite these challenges, Diamond achieved a significant breakthrough by reaching an agreement to restore its networks on Comcast’s cable TV platform after a temporary blackout.
The landscape of local NBA broadcasts is evolving, with teams like the Mavericks and Pelicans making strategic decisions to move away from traditional regional sports networks. As the industry continues to adapt to the changing media landscape, the importance of securing viable broadcasting agreements and navigating financial challenges remains paramount for organizations like Diamond Sports.