Diamond Sports Group (DSG) is enhancing the way sports fans can access NBA and NHL games by offering single-game pay-per-view (PPV) options on the FanDuel Sports Network. This feature allows fans of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and more to buy a pass for individual games. Fans can now watch select games of 13 NBA and eight NHL teams under DSG’s broadcast rights portfolio. Each game pass will cost $6.99, giving viewers affordable, flexible access to their favorite teams without needing cable or long-term subscriptions.
DSG Pay-per-view NBA Action Now Available
Expanding Streaming Options in a Changing Media Landscape
The move by DSG marks a significant shift as the company, historically tied to cable, seeks to adapt to a media environment where traditional cable TV models are struggling. DSG’s regional sports networks (RSNs) previously depended on cable carriage fees to fund operations. However, cord-cutting—the growing trend of consumers canceling cable subscriptions—has hurt the availability of RSNs on traditional TV and damaged the economics of DSG’s business model. In response, DSG entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2023, prompting a transformation of its broadcasting strategy.
Through the FanDuel Sports Network, DSG now offers viewers an alternative by providing its RSNs as direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming channels. The company aims to reach fans who have left cable behind or never subscribed in the first place. In addition to single-game passes, viewers can subscribe to monthly or season passes, providing varying options to suit different fan preferences.
Enhanced Flexibility and Accessibility for Sports Fans
DSG’s new PPV option makes NBA and NHL games more accessible than ever before. It provides fans with a low-commitment way to watch specific games without signing up for a monthly subscription. Michael Schneider, the Chief Operating Officer of FanDuel Sports Network, highlighted that this added flexibility aligns with DSG’s goal of creating a more versatile and fan-friendly viewing experience.
He stated, “The addition of single-game pricing allows fans to catch their local NBA and NHL teams on a game-by-game basis, enhancing the flexibility of our offering.”
The pay-per-game model is expected to attract casual fans or those who only want to watch specific matchups, potentially converting some of them to long-term subscribers. By removing the barriers of costly and rigid cable bundles, DSG is betting that single-game PPV will engage a broader audience while encouraging long-term commitments to the FanDuel Sports Network’s monthly or season pass packages.
Strategic Partnerships and Streaming Accessibility
Beyond FanDuel’s network itself, DSG’s partnerships add further reach to its streaming efforts. The FanDuel Sports Network DTC service is available as an Amazon Prime Channel in the United States, a popular distribution method that can further increase access and attract potential viewers. For DSG, these partnerships are not just about meeting the current demands of sports fans; they are essential to securing a viable long-term business model.
In addition to its streaming innovation, DSG has also worked to secure new long-term carriage agreements with traditional pay-TV distributors. These agreements, paired with temporary deals with the NBA and NHL, will be critical in DSG’s strategy as it navigates bankruptcy and works to convince a court of its plan for financial recovery and long-term sustainability.
DSG’s Reorganization and the Now-resolved Uncertain Future with MLB
DSG’s reorganization strategy remains under court consideration, with a crucial hearing scheduled to take place on November 14, 2024. The company’s restructuring plan will need to demonstrate a credible path toward sustainable operations. While DSG’s negotiations with the NBA and NHL for the current season have provided stability, its relationship with Major League Baseball (MLB) was initially tenuous. DSG had renewed contracts with the NBA and NHL, and MLB had raised objections to DSG’s plan, complicating future agreements.
Additionally, MLB had pushed for more direct streaming control over local broadcasts. With rising interest in flexible, affordable streaming options, MLB considered alternative routes for broadcasting its games. On Nov. 8, MLB and the Braves filed the objection to Diamond’s reorganization plan, saying specifically in their filing:
“Neither the Braves nor MLB should be compelled to partner with a business that does not have a realistic roadmap to future operations.”
At the time, Diamond had refused to let the Braves out of their Diamond contract, which was partly the cause of the contentiousness. MLB and the Atlanta Braves have now withdrawn their objection to Diamond Sports Group’s proposed reorganization plan, signaling strong support for Diamond’s potential to remain a stable regional sports network (RSN) business ahead of Thursday’s confirmation hearing in U.S. bankruptcy court.
In a filing submitted Wednesday, MLB and the Braves rescinded their previous claim that Diamond was not fully transparent regarding its recent deals with the NBA, NHL, and Amazon. This change of stance comes on the same day Diamond announced a multiyear agreement to stream all 16 of its RSNs on Prime Video as an add-on channel. This development suggests MLB and the Braves now view Diamond as financially stable for future operations.
DSG Pay-per-view NBA Option could be a game changer
FanDuel Sports Network’s new DTC service expands upon its existing reputation as a sportsbook platform by emphasizing streaming accessibility. This pivot demonstrates a broader trend of sports betting and media companies integrating entertainment, gaming, and live sports into unified offerings. The Amazon Prime Channel integration, which includes FanDuel’s DTC service, further strengthens its distribution reach and aligns with FanDuel’s vision to cater to sports enthusiasts across multiple formats.
In summary, DSG’s pay-per-view option on FanDuel Sports Network aligns with growing viewer demands for flexibility and affordability. By offering single-game access, DSG provides a scalable entry point for sports fans, helping them stay connected to local teams without traditional cable. As DSG moves forward with its reorganization efforts, the FanDuel DTC model could play a pivotal role in determining its future in sports media.
