A lot of chatter and uncertainty circulating in most of the local television broadcasts in the NBA since the past 2023-24 season. But now, things are finally getting formalized for an agreed terms and partnership.
Per various sources, the NBA and the Diamond Sports Group reached a deal that will allow 13 franchises to have their games locally televised and distributed by the network, mainly by Bally Sports Network, throughout the 2024-25 season. Amongst these total teams mentioned were the Memphis Grizzlies .
Details behind NBA and Diamond's new deal
Diamond Sports is the parent company of Bally Sports which broadcasted the Grizzlies' games from the past season. Back in March, reports surfaced that Bally filed for bankruptcy protection, offering questions on who will be the league's big local TV partner moving forward.
Despite these circumstances, Diamond Sports still successfully landed a new contract with the league. Although it's still pending approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, all signs lead to the Grizzlies still identifying Bally as its local television home, at least for another year.
Other than the NBA, Diamond Sports also delivered a successful pact with the NHL for locally televised rights.
“We are appreciative of the ongoing collaboration and long-term partnerships with the NBA and NHL," David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, said in a statement . "These new agreements that cover NBA and NHL linear and DTC 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. Having completed negotiations with key partners that provide certainty around our content and distribution, Diamond is well-positioned for the future. With the support of our creditors, we are focused on finalizing our reorganization plan to support our emergence and presenting that plan to the Court in due course.”
Grizz to remain in ties with Bally
Beyond Memphis, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, LA Clippers, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Orlando, and San Antonio are the 12 other teams slated to have their games locally televised by Bally again. Both Dallas and New Orleans have cut their ties with the said network on the other hand as the Pelicans have already partnered with Gray TV, although the Mavericks are yet to announce their streaming plans.
The Grizzlies have 17 nationally televised matches in the forthcoming season, which only means that the 65 left in their 82-game slate will be covered by Bally.
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