Diamond Sports Group, the owner of 18 regional sports networks (RSNs) including Bally Sports North, has agreed a deal that will allow it to emerge from bankruptcy and is set to pave the way for MLB, NHL and NBA games to be streamed on Amazon Prime.
The company confirmed Wednesday that Amazon has bought a minority stake in the company that includes a commercial agreement “to provide access to Diamond’s services via Prime Video.”
“Under this arrangement, Prime Video will become Diamond’s primary partner through which customers will be able to purchase direct-to-consumer (DTC) access to stream local Diamond channels,” the announcement says, adding that customers will still be able to watch Bally Sports broadcasts via their cable and satellite providers.
Diamond Sports Group says that “additional details regarding pricing and availability” of Prime Video broadcasts will be released at a later date.
Bally Sports North currently holds the rights to broadcast non-network games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wild and Lynx, and held the rights to the Twins up to the end of last season.
But the ongoing financial woes of the Diamond Sports Group put live games at risk during 2022/23, with teams like the Twins accepting a cut in broadcast royalties in order to keep its deal with BSN.
It was announced last month that a deal had been agreed to keep Wild broadcasts on BSN through the end of the current NHL season.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond, said: “Diamond’s near-term focus will be on implementing the [restructuring agreement] and emerging from bankruptcy as a going concern for the benefit of our investors, our employees, our team, league and distribution partners, and the millions of fans who will continue to enjoy our broadcasts.”
