Fans of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming NBA season, as both teams are set to make changes to the way their local games are aired. The teams are parting ways with their regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports, as disclosed in a recent bankruptcy court filing. This move has left fans wondering where they will be able to catch their favorite teams in action this season.
While specific details about the broadcasting of local games for the Mavericks and Pelicans have not been officially announced, there have been reports of the Pelicans reaching an agreement with Gray Television. According to a source close to the team, Gray Television is expected to air the Pelicans’ games this season. However, neither Gray Television nor the Pelicans have commented on this matter. Last season, the Pelicans aired some of their games on Gray’s local stations.
It is not uncommon for NBA teams to switch broadcasters and platforms for airing their games. The Mavericks and Pelicans are just two of the latest teams to transition from their Diamond-owned regional sports networks to local broadcasters. This move is a result of Diamond Sports’ ongoing efforts to navigate through bankruptcy. The company has seen several professional sports teams opt for other broadcast options in recent months.
In light of the changes made by the Mavericks and Pelicans, Diamond Sports stands to receive sizable sums as part of the terminations. The company will receive $1.3 million from the Mavericks and over $297,000 from the Pelicans. These financial transactions are outlined in the court filing related to the teams’ departure from Diamond-owned networks. These moves come as Diamond Sports is finalizing broadcast and streaming rights agreements with the NBA and NHL for the upcoming season.
Diamond Sports, like many other companies in the industry, has been grappling with the shift away from traditional cable services. Despite launching a sports-only streaming service in 2022, the company’s significant debt load led to its decision to file for bankruptcy protection. The pressure on Diamond Sports has only increased as the NBA and NHL seasons draw near, necessitating a solid business plan to ensure timely and proper rights payments.
In its efforts to emerge from bankruptcy, Diamond Sports achieved a significant milestone by striking a deal to restore its networks to Comcast’s cable subscribers. This move came after the Bally Sports networks were dropped by Comcast, a major distributor for Diamond Sports. As the company continues to restructure and secure broadcasting agreements, fans can look forward to new ways to watch their favorite teams in action this season.
Through the changing landscape of sports broadcasting and the evolving media industry, fans can expect more adjustments in how they access and enjoy games. While the Mavericks and Pelicans are at the forefront of these changes, other teams may follow suit in seeking alternative broadcast options for their local games. As the NBA season approaches, fans can stay tuned for further updates on how to catch all the action from their beloved teams.