The NHL and Diamond Sports Group have reached an agreement that will allow Diamond’s regional sports network, known as Bally’s, to continue broadcasting without interruption through the end of the 2023-24 season.
The deal, revealed in court documents filed Wednesday, includes the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild and Nash. Bill affects 11 NHL franchises: Predators, St. Louis Blues. And the Tampa Bay Lightning. In addition, these clubs’ contracts with Diamond, some of which were extended until 2030, will end at the end of this season.
“Considering the totality of the circumstances, this is a resolution that we are comfortable with,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. The Athletic By exchanging emails. “This will ensure that all teams can continue to broadcast their games to their local fans throughout the remainder of the season. That has always been our top priority.”
The deal is similar to the one agreed last month between the NBA and the Diamonds and is scheduled to be submitted to bankruptcy court in Houston on Jan. 3 for approval.
Diamond, a spokesperson, declined to comment..
Ever since Diamond filed for bankruptcy last March, NHL fans have been concerned about their clubs’ games being televised. With this filing, the court granted the Diamonds and the NHL permission to seek a term sheet, or agreement on how to proceed.
After this season, television rights for all 11 affected clubs will revert to the NHL, but no one can say yet what those clubs’ television plans will look like next season.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Amazon.com is negotiating with Diamond and its affiliates to acquire multi-year streaming rights to MLB, NBA and NHL games currently aired on cable channels operated by regional sports networks. (RSN) reported that it is in talks with creditors. Any potential transaction would require bankruptcy court approval.
The deal does not prevent the affected teams from striking new deals with the Diamonds, the other party in the bankruptcy, said a person briefed on the negotiations.
(Photo: Aaron Doster/USA Today)