Diamond Sports attorney claims lack of MLB streaming rights pushed bankruptcy filing
Clearly, this is all MLB's fault for not helping prop up Bally Sports+.
Clearly, this is all MLB's fault for not helping prop up Bally Sports+.
Diamond Sports initially said they hadn't made a Diamondbacks payment to preserve "flexibility" during a grace period. But that grace period has now run out, and that sends their bankruptcy proceedings in a notable new direction.
It's all going to come down to streaming.
The Texas Rangers might walk away from a deal paying a reported nine figures a year.
Is Diamond going to start dumping teams?
"In a worst-case scenario, our games will still be on the air."
Diamond met the 13 conditions required by the NBA when this deal was renewed, but will breach one if they file for bankruptcy in March as expected, leaving the league with a decision.
Are the AT&T SportsNet RSNs in trouble too?
Bringing live sports to fans in-market without the need for a traditional provider is good! Charging this much, though? Very bad.
The NBA had all the leverage in these negotiations, and according to a new report they were very aware of that.
"MLB responded by requesting an equity stake in any planned streaming service that featured MLB games, 'a new wrinkle that complicated matters too much to complete on time.'"