Fans of the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans are eagerly anticipating a new way to watch their favorite teams play in the upcoming National Basketball Association season. Both teams are making a significant move by exiting their regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports, as revealed in a recent bankruptcy court filing. This decision has sparked curiosity among fans as to where their local games will be aired for the upcoming season.
While both franchises have not made any public announcements regarding the broadcasting of their local games, historical patterns suggest that they will continue to partner with local broadcasters for coverage. Specifically, the Pelicans have reportedly reached a tentative agreement with Gray Television to air their games this season. This move signifies a potential shift in how fans will access and enjoy live game coverage for the Pelicans.
Upon reaching out for comments on the matter, representatives for Gray Television and the Pelicans declined to provide any additional information. However, it is worth noting that the Pelicans had already aired some of their matchups on Gray’s local stations in the previous season, indicating a pre-existing relationship between the two parties.
The termination of agreements with Diamond Sports will result in financial obligations for both the Mavericks and the Pelicans. As outlined in the court filing, Diamond Sports is set to receive $1.3 million from the Mavericks and over $297,000 from the Pelicans as part of the terminations. These financial transactions underscore the complexities involved in transitioning away from regional sports networks.
The decision by the Mavericks and the Pelicans to move their regular-season games away from Diamond-owned regional sports networks is reflective of broader industry trends. Several other professional sports teams, including those from the NBA, WNBA, and NHL, have also opted to switch to local broadcasters instead of relying on regional networks. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and the growing importance of direct partnerships with local media outlets.
Diamond Sports has been grappling with financial challenges and market disruptions, stemming from the declining popularity of cable television. Despite efforts to launch a sports-only streaming service for certain teams, the burden of an $8 billion debt load ultimately led to the company filing for bankruptcy protection. The recent developments, including agreements with the NBA and NHL for the upcoming season, mark critical milestones for Diamond Sports in its journey towards financial stability and restructuring.
As fans eagerly await the start of the NBA season, the transition in local game broadcasting for the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans signifies a broader shift in how sports content is delivered to audiences. The decisions made by these teams reflect the ever-changing dynamics of the sports media landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptability and innovation in reaching fans across different platforms. The upcoming season will undoubtedly bring about new opportunities and challenges for both teams and broadcasting networks, shaping the future of sports content distribution.