Title: Amazon Partners with Diamond Sports Group’s Bally Sports to Expand Streaming Access to Local Teams’ Games
In a major development for sports fans across the United States, Amazon has recently become a minority owner of Diamond Sports Group’s Bally Sports regional networks. The deal, which was announced as part of Diamond’s bankruptcy restructuring, has significant implications as it allows Amazon Prime subscribers to stream games televised on Bally Sports channels. This move will particularly benefit fans who are unable to access their local teams’ games due to their television service not having a deal with Bally.
Bally Sports currently holds local television contracts with nearly 40 teams in the MLB, NBA, and NHL. However, not all television providers carry their networks, leaving several fans unable to watch their favorite teams’ games. One notable example is YouTubeTV users, who have been deprived of the opportunity to enjoy their local teams’ games without having to subscribe to Bally’s streaming service.
The partnership between Amazon and Diamond Sports Group is expected to bring stability to the uncertain television landscape for professional sports teams. Diamond Sports Group had previously purchased the Fox Sports regional networks in 2019, but encountered financial challenges due to changes in the television industry. Consequently, local television deals have been a significant source of income for MLB, NBA, and NHL teams.
Bally Sports currently holds local rights for an impressive 37 teams, making this collaboration with Amazon a significant development for sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, in November, the NBA reached a deal with Bally networks to televise games for a total of 15 teams until the end of the season.
With Amazon’s involvement in the ownership of Bally Sports, avid sports fans can now rejoice, as they will have increased accessibility to their favorite teams’ games. Subscribers to Amazon Prime will gain the valuable advantage of streaming games that are exclusively televised on Bally Sports channels, thereby ensuring a comprehensive sports-viewing experience.
In conclusion, Amazon’s minority ownership of Diamond Sports Group’s Bally Sports regional networks is a game-changer for fans without access to Bally networks through their TV service providers. This partnership signifies a significant step forward in democratizing sports coverage and ensuring that viewers can enjoy their local teams’ games with ease. With this collaboration, the uncertain television landscape for professional sports teams is expected to stabilize, providing a lasting solution to the streaming woes of sports enthusiasts nationwide.
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