Related Documents:
MLB statement
Motion to assume – DirecTV
Exhibit A
Diamond Sports held a status conference before presiding Judge Christopher Lopez today, with Brian Hermann of Paul Weiss reporting the company’s progress in securing long-term distribution deals, including a pact with DirecTV, despite failing to ink a long-term contract with Comcast.
According to Hermann, the solicitation process is still active with the confirmation hearing scheduled for June 18. The company has been making strides in negotiating long-term contracts with key distributors. Charter, the largest distributor, and DirecTV, the second-largest, along with Cox, have been part of successful discussions that cover about 80% of broadcast coverage.
Additionally, Hermann outlined advancements in naming rights negotiations, stating a new naming rights deal is reportedly close to completion but not yet finalized. The debtor’s settlement with Sinclair allowed Diamond Sports to renegotiate its naming rights contract, which was previously with Ballys.
However, the situation with Comcast, the third-largest distributor, has reached an impasse, according to Hermann. The existing agreement with Comcast expired April 30, and while Diamond Sports Group offered to extend on a short-term basis, Comcast declined and subsequently removed Diamond Sports’ RSNs from its offerings.
MLB and certain teams filed a statement ahead of today’s status conference and sounded off on the debtor about whether it has a viable path forward. James Bromley of Sullivan & Cromwell for MLB stated in the filing that the failure to renew a crucial carriage agreement with Comcast, resulting in the blackout of broadcasts for numerous MLB teams on the Comcast service since May 1, has stripped away a substantial revenue stream essential for the proposed reorganization plan’s success.
MLB and clubs such as the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins and others are already feeling the impact of the distribution disruption, according to the MLB statement. Millions of fans across a dozen markets are currently unable to watch their favorite teams’ games, a situation the MLB deems as causing “immediate and irreparable harm.”
The concerns expressed by MLB were echoed by counsel for both the NBA and NHL during the hearing.
However, the debtor secured court approval of its contract with DirecTV at the hearing. According to court filings, the contract with DirecTV would be a multiyear renewal, ensuring the continued distribution of Diamond Sports’ local sports content through DirecTV’s platforms, and promises mutual releases between the parties, effectively resolving prior disputes.
The next status conference is June 4 at 12:00 ET in the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court.
Jennifer Lappe, J.D.
jennifer.lappe@levfininsights.com
+1 346 256 1345