Thunder re-emerge as partners with Bally Sports for the 2024 NBA season

The ongoing saga with Bally Sports, also known as Diamond Sports Group (DSG), took another turn on Friday. According to reports, the network agreed to remain a broadcast partner with NBA teams that are registered on Bally Sports RSNs.

Hoping to wiggle out of bankruptcy, DSG will extend an agreement with teams beyond the 2024–25 NBA season, according to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov.

Two teams out, OKC in

Previously airing their games on the Bally Sports network, the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans have elected to discontinue their partnership. However, DSG reached an agreement with both the NBA and NHL this week, which signals that the Oklahoma City Thunder will enter the 2024–25 season as a partner with the network.

DSG CEO David Preschlack: “We are appreciative of the ongoing collaboration and long-term partnerships with the NBA and NHL. These new agreements that cover NBA and NHL linear and (direct-to-consumer) rights are another major milestone and continue Diamond’s momentum toward emergence, which will enable us to provide value for our NBA and NHL partners and continue to serve dedicated local NBA, NHL, and MLB fans.”

Leading up to the 2024 season, the Thunder have long faced issue of having to scramble to find a method to air their games. Since the network filed for bankruptcy over a year ago, most indications pointed to OKC and the other 10+ teams under contract potentially having to rely on local airwaves to deliver local fans a viewing experience.

For now, Oklahoma City is set to have a local broadcast partner for at least one more year. Depending on the final outcome of the court case, this may be a topic to revisit as soon as next summer.

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