Diamond Sports Group, the bankrupt operator of Bally Sports channels, has dropped the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans from its NBA teams broadcast list, but it has reached new deals with the NBA and the NHL to ensure that it will air games for teams at least through the upcoming 2024-25 seasons.
Diamond Sports Group now carries games for 13 NBA teams and nine NHL teams after dropping the Mavericks and Pelicans
The agreement includes adjustments to linear and direct-to-consumer rights. After dropping the Mavericks and Pelicans, this leaves the company with 13 NBA teams and nine NHL teams.
โWe have reached a new agreement with Diamond Sports Group for the 2024-25 season in which Diamond RSNs will telecast local games for 13 NBA teams,โ the NBA said in a statement.
โThe Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans declined to continue distributing their games on Diamond RSNs and will share more details soon on how to watch games for the upcoming season in their respective markets. This new agreement is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court.โ
Statement from David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group: pic.twitter.com/TolBMQrQOF
โ Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) August 23, 2024
Bally Sports Southwest was the network carrier for Mavericks games. It is unknown where Dallas games will be broadcasted for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Mavs games will appear on national TV 30 times in 2024-25. The team referred inquiries Friday to the league.
An option for Dallas would be partnering with the Stars. The NHL team ended their rights agreement with Bally and will launch a direct-to-consumer streaming app, Victory+. This will allow in-market fans to watch games for free this season.
The Pelicans reportedly have a deal to be broadcast over the air next season, on WVUE-TV.
Among the NBA teams in Diamondโs portfolio are the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs
These 13 NBA teams remain in Diamondโs portfolio: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and San Antonio Spurs.
The following nine NHL teams are currently under Diamond: Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Diamond also has 12 MLB teams under…