Recently a lot has changed in the world of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) as AT&T SportsNets reportedly has informed teams it plans to shut down, and Bally Sports has declared bankruptcy.
Originally it was reported that Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company behind AT&T SportsNet RSNs wanted to shut them all down in early April 2023. But a report from the Sports Business Journal says a deal may be in place with MLB to keep the networks running through the 2023 MLB season.
Now it seems that starting in October AT&T SportsNet RSNs will shut down unless a new deal is reached.
REportedly AT&T SportsNets has agreed to pay rights fees to the MLB through the 2023 season. At the end of the 2023 MLB season Warner Bros. Discovery would end its partnership with the MLB and likely shut down its AT&T SportsNets RSNs.
There are reports that AT&T SportsNet Houston could be taken over by the Astros and Rockets, but the other RSNs owned by Warner Bros. Discovery will reportedly shut down.
The question now is will the NBA and NHL reach a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to keep Also, the question is what kind of deal will be needed to keep the networks running through the upcoming NBA and NHL season.
If AT&T SportsNet RSNs shut down it would mean the Pittsburg Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets will all need new homes. This doesn’t count the MLB teams of the Astros, Pirates, and Rockies that will need new TV deals.
If MLB, NBA, and NHL are unable to make a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, it has been reported that they have a backup plan in place to ensure that local fans will be able to watch the games for free online. Already the MLB has put their backup plans into action for the Padres to make sure fans can continue to watch their games after Bally Sports dropped them.
The hope, though, is to find partners both for streaming and traditional cable TV providers to replace any RSN that shut down.