Recently we learned that Bally Sports’ parent company Diamond Sports, a subsidiary of Sinclair, was preparing for bankruptcy this week. Now MLB, after an owner’s meeting this week, has made it clear that they have backup plans.
“I think you should assume that if Diamond doesn’t broadcast, we’ll be in a position to step in,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday after an owners’ meeting, according to ESPN. “Our goal would be to make games available not only within the traditional cable bundle but on the digital side, as well.”
Bally Sports airs local MLB games for 14 teams. You can also watch 16 NBA teams and 12 NHL franchises on Bally Sports.
It is reported that Bally Sports owes MLB teams bout $1 billion. A number that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed. If Bally Sports follows through on its bankruptcy plans, that could put payments to MLB teams at risk.
The MLB has made it clear they would prefer for Bally Sports to finish its contract, but if that can’t happen, they are ready with backup plans. The good news for MLB fans is that no matter what happens will still be able to watch their MLB games.