The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are among the latest NBA teams looking for new ways to broadcast their local games. With the upcoming NBA season just around the corner, both teams are stepping away from their regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports. This significant move comes as part of a Friday bankruptcy court filing, leaving fans wondering where they will be able to catch their favorite teams in action.
Although official announcements have not been made by either franchise regarding their new broadcasting partnerships, both the Mavericks and Pelicans have a tradition of airing their games through local broadcasters. Last season, the Pelicans aired 10 matchups on Gray Television’s local stations, while the Mavericks entered a 13-game agreement with Tegna’s Dallas-Fort Worth stations.
The decision by the Mavericks and Pelicans to move away from Diamond-owned regional sports networks reflects a broader trend in the industry. Over the last 18 months, Diamond Sports has struggled to navigate its way out of bankruptcy, prompting several NBA, WNBA, and NHL teams to seek alternative broadcasting options. Some MLB teams have even opted to have their games produced by the league itself.
As part of the terminations from the Diamond-owned regional sports networks, the Mavericks and Pelicans will be required to pay $1.3 million and more than $297,000, respectively. These financial obligations highlight the complexities of transitioning away from established broadcasting partnerships and the financial repercussions involved.
Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy filing underscores the challenges faced by traditional cable networks in an era dominated by streaming services. Despite launching a sports-only streaming service, the company’s massive $8 billion debt ultimately led to its bankruptcy filing. The pressure to form a viable business plan and meet rights payments has only intensified leading up to the new NBA and NHL seasons.
As Diamond Sports continues to navigate its bankruptcy process, securing broadcast and streaming rights agreements with the NBA and NHL marks a crucial step towards financial stability. These agreements, pending court approval, signify a shift towards adapting to the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and ensuring long-term partnerships with major leagues.
The changing landscape of NBA broadcasters, as exemplified by the moves made by the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, reflects the broader challenges faced by traditional sports networks in the digital age. As fans eagerly await news on where they can watch their favorite teams, the industry continues to undergo transformation in response to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements.