Texas Rangers launch own network to produce and distribute local games

Details for the Texas Rangers’ local media rights plan are slowly coming into focus.

The club announced earlier this offseason that it would be taking a unique approach to its local rights, opting to neither sign a deal with a traditional regional sports network nor join the league’s broadcast umbrella. Instead, the Rangers look to forge their own path.

On Monday, those plans became a bit clearer for fans. According to a report by Mike Mazzeo in Sports Business Journal, the Rangers have formed a new business entity called Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment. The new company will oversee Rangers Sports Network, a new regional sports network that will produce and distribute the club’s local games.

The operational split seems to be more of a formality than a drastic change to the Rangers’ television plans. Per Mazzeo, “the team has been loosely operating under the structure for the last two months after a decision primarily from owner Ray Davis.”

Neil Leibman, who will depart his role as team president to oversee the new entity, echoed this sentiment telling SBJ, “[Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment] will be owned by the Rangers, so it’s all going in one pocket.”

Earlier this month, the Rangers announced the first part of their DIY approach to local rights by announcing their partnership with direct-to-consumer streaming service Victory+. A subscription will run fans $100 per season, right in line with similar offerings across the league.

When it comes to availability on satellite and cable distributors, plans have yet to be announced. The new entity will need to negotiate with various local satellite and cable companies for carriage on their platforms.

By creating their own network and coupling it with a streaming service, the Rangers hope to generate more in media rights revenue than inking a deal with an existing regional sports network.