What will happen to Texas Rangers’ broadcasts if Bally Sports files for bankruptcy?
Texas Rangers fans whose TV providers haven’t been carrying Bally Sports might be in for another curve ball depending on what the regional sports network does this week and how Major League Baseball responds.
Since 2020 cable, satellite and streaming providers have been in a contract dispute with Diamond Sports Group, which owns 21 regional sports networks and is a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting. It has the rights to 42 professional sports teams, including the Rangers, Mavericks and Stars.
In Dallas Fort Worth, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, TV Max or Spectrum are the only major providers carrying Bally Sports Southwest. Fans can purchase the Bally Sports+ streaming app, but at $19.99 per month, it’s more expensive than ESPN+, Peacock, Hulu and Disney+.
According to the Associated Press, Diamond Sports Group will miss its upcoming interest payment, which will trigger a 30-day grace period during which the group can restructure its debt or file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bloomberg reported in January that Diamond Sports Group has $8.6 billion debt, according to the AP.
In an interview with the Associated Press, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated the league is prepared if Diamond Sports Group ceases to air baseball games.
“I think you should assume that if Diamond doesn’t broadcast, we’ll be in a position to step in. Our goal would be to make games available not only within the traditional cable bundle but on the digital side, as well.”
The Rangers said in a statement they do not expect any disruption.
“We are confident that a long-term solution will be accomplished for the RSN issue,” the statement read.
This story was originally published February 15, 2023 at 11:26 AM.
