Sinclair’s plans for a direct to consumer streaming app continue to trudge along. On Friday, Bloomberg reported that the company was nearing a deal with the NBA for streaming rights for the 16 teams whose games air on Sinclair’s RSNs. Additionally, Sinclair had secured $600 million in funding (via “a new super-priority first-lien loan from an existing group of secured creditors”) to launch the app. Over the summer, it was reported they were working to raise $250 million in funding.
Last month, Sinclair struck a deal for the digital rights to the 12 NHL teams whose games air on Sinclair’s RSNs. In November, it was widely reported that Sinclair only had the digital rights to four MLB teams (presumably, the Tigers, Royals, Marlins, and Brewers) of the 14 whose games air on Sinclair RSNs, with MLB having no desire to give Sinclair a break on the remaining rights.
Per Bloomberg, Sinclair is aiming to launch its direct to consumer service sometime in the first half of 2022. However, if it takes longer to get off the ground, I don’t think it would be that huge of a deal: the NBA and NHL regular seasons are scheduled to end in April, while the MLB season is scheduled to begin the same month. But with the rights to only four MLB teams acquired, it wouldn’t be the biggest blow if the service wasn’t ready for the scheduled Opening Day.
For the record, here are the 16 NBA teams whose games air on Sinclair RSNs.
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Dallas Mavericks
- Indiana Pacers
- LA Clippers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Miami Heat
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Orlando Magic
- Phoenix Suns
- San Antonio Spurs
And the 12 NHL teams.
- Anaheim Ducks
- Arizona Coyotes
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Detroit Red Wings
- Dallas Stars
- Florida Panthers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Minnesota Wild
- Nashville Predators
- St. Louis Blues
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Pricing for the service is unknown, as is whether or not it will vary by market. In fact, many details of how the service will operate are unknown, though early indicators are that it will be gambling-centric. If executed properly, it could be the massive step forward that sports fans have been craving for years. If not, it could hasten the demise of the RSN bundle and drastically reshape how teams and leagues generate local revenue.
