Bally Sports
| Bally Sports | |
|---|---|
| Owned by | Diamond Sports Group |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Search Bally Sports on Amazon.
Bally Sports is a group of regional sports networks in the United States owned by Diamond Sports Group, a joint-venture company of the Sinclair Broadcast Group and Entertainment Studios. The networks carry regional broadcasts of sporting events from various professional, collegiate and high school sports teams. Through 19 owned-and-operated networks and several other affiliates, Bally Sports programming is available to all or part of the 50 states, with the only notable lack of coverage existing in the Philadelphia media market and Northern California.
The networks were formerly known as Fox Sports Networks and operated by News Corporation for most of their existence. They were acquired by Diamond Sports from the Walt Disney Company in 2019, as Disney was required to divest them by U.S. Department of Justice as a condition of their own acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
History[edit]
Beginnings[edit]
The networks of Bally Sports have a long history, with the origins of several of the networks dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, as affiliates of the Prime Network (and to a lesser degree SportsChannel). In 1996, News Corporation and Liberty Media (the owner of Prime Network) announced that the Prime Sports networks would be rebranded under the new "Fox Sports Net" brand;[1] the Prime Sports-branded affiliates were officially relaunched as Fox Sports Net on November 1 of that year.[2][3][4] In 1997, News Corp and Liberty Media also purchased a 40% stake in Cablevision's SportsChannel networks which led those networks being rebranded as part of Fox Sports Net in early 1998 and bringing the total number of owned or affiliate networks to 18.[5][6][7][8] In the years that followed, a series of other acquisitions and launches of new networks (along with a few closures) resulted in 22 owned and operated networks.
Acquisition by Diamond Sports Group[edit]
On December 14, 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced their intent to acquire 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion after the spin-off of certain businesses into a new entity (initially dubbed "new Fox", but ultimately named Fox Corporation). While the acquisition was originally slated to include Fox Sports' regional operations (which, presumably, would have been re-aligned with Disney's ESPN division),[9][10] the Justice Department ordered that they be divested within 90 days of the completion of the acquisition due to the concentration of the market that ESPN would hold.[11][12]
Sinclair Broadcast Group was mentioned as the most likely buyer for the other FSN networks, but would need the assistance of a private equity firm to help raise the cash needed for the purchase.[13][14] The group's other sports properties included Stadium—a national sports network distributed via over-the-air digital television and internet streaming, Tennis Channel, as well as Marquee—an then-upcoming RSN devoted to the Chicago Cubs.[15]
On May 3, Sinclair officially announced that via its subsidiary Diamond Sports Group, it had agreed to purchase the networks for $10.6 billion, pending regulatory approval. At the same time, it was also revealed that Entertainment Studios would hold an equity stake in the company and serve as a "content partner".[16] Three senators (Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren) called for the sale to be reviewed by the Department of Justice, citing concerns over Sinclair's political views, and that it could use the networks as leverage for carriage agreements for its broadcast television stations.[17]
The sale was completed on August 22, 2019 and included 21 of the 22 networks. The networks continued to temporarily use the Fox Sports branding under a transitional license agreement with Fox Corporation; Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley stated that there were plans to eventually rebrand them under either a new name, or to "partner with a brand who wants more exposure". There were also plans to increase non-event programming, and emphasis on sports betting in its programming.[18]
Due to a clause imposed on the original sale,[19] Yankee Global Enterprises had a right of first refusal to purchase Fox's share in YES Network. [20] On August 29, 2019, an investor group including the Yankees, Sinclair, Amazon, and The Blackstone Group purchased Disney's 80% stake in the network for $3.47 billion.[21] Sinclair's share of the network is 20%.[22]
FuboTV dropped the channels in January 2020,[23] and YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV followed in October 2020.[24][25]
Partnership with Bally's[edit]
On November 4, 2020, Sinclair took a $4.23 billion write-down on the FSN purchase.[26]
On November 17, 2020, it was reported by Sportico that Sinclair was considering rebranding the networks via a naming rights agreement, and was reportedly in talks with multiple companies involved in sports betting.[27] The next day, Sinclair announced that it had entered into an agreement with casino operator Bally's Corporation to acquire the naming rights under a 10-year deal. This agreement will include integration of Bally's content on the channels and other Sinclair properties (including its television stations, Stadium, and Tennis Channel), and a warrant giving Sinclair the option to acquire a 14.9% stake in Bally's Corporation, and up to 24.9% if performance criteria is met.[28]
Sinclair announced in December 2020 that it plans to launch its own direct-to-consumer Bally's-branded streaming service, including live streaming of its linear sports networks, in 2021.[29]
Rebranding as Bally Sports[edit]
On January 27, 2021, Sinclair announced that the networks will be rebranded as Bally Sports, which will take effect on March 31.[30] Fox Sports Carolinas and Fox Sports Tennessee will be discontinued, with their sports programming being dispersed to the Bally Sports South and Southeast channels. To better reflect their target markets, Prime Ticket and SportsTime Ohio will also be rebranded as Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports Great Lakes respectively.[31][32]
Networks[edit]
Owned-and-operated[edit]
| Network | Region served | Formerly operated as |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally Sports Arizona | Arizona New Mexico Utah Southern Nevada |
Prime Sports Arizona (1996) Fox Sports Arizona (1996-2021) |
|
| Bally Sports Detroit | Michigan Northwestern Ohio Northeastern Indiana Northeast Wisconsin |
Fox Sports Detroit (1997-2021) | |
| Bally Sports Florida | Florida | SportsChannel Florida (1987–2000) Fox Sports Florida (2000-2021) |
|
| Bally Sports Great Lakes | Ohio Northwestern Pennsylvania Southwestern New York parts of Kentucky & West Virginia |
SportsTime Ohio (2006-2021) | |
| Bally Sports Indiana | Indiana | Fox Sports Indiana (2006-2021) | Shares programming with sister network Bally Sports Midwest |
| Bally Sports Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri Kansas |
Fox Sports Kansas City (2008-2021) | Kansas City Royals have a minority interest. Shares programming with sister network Bally Sports Midwest. |
| Bally Sports Midwest | Missouri southern Illinois Iowa Nebraska |
Prime Sports Midwest (1989–1996) Fox Sports Midwest (1996-2021) |
St. Louis Cardinals have 30% equity stake. Shares programming with sister network Bally Sports Indiana and Bally Sports Kansas City. |
| Bally Sports New Orleans | Louisiana | Fox Sports New Orleans (2012-2021) | Carries programming from sister network Bally Sports Southwest. |
| Bally Sports North | Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa North Dakota South Dakota |
WCCO II (1984–1989) Midwest Sports Channel (1989–2001) Fox Sports North (2001-2021) |
|
| Bally Sports Ohio | Ohio Kentucky Eastern Indiana Northeastern Pennsylvania Southwestern New York parts of West Virginia |
SportsChannel Ohio (1989–1998) Fox Sports Ohio (1998-2021) |
Separate subfeeds exist for the Cincinnati and Cleveland markets with the Reds having partial ownership in the Cincinnati feed of the network. |
| Bally Sports Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Fox Sports Oklahoma (2008-2021) | Carries programming from sister network Bally Sports Southwest. |
| Bally Sports San Diego | San Diego | Fox Sports San Diego (2012-2021) | San Diego Padres have 20% equity stake. Carries programming from sister network Bally Sports SoCal. |
| Bally Sports SoCal | Southern California Southern Nevada Hawaii |
Fox Sports West 2 (1997–2006) Prime Ticket (2006-2021) |
|
| Bally Sports South | Georgia Alabama Kentucky Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee |
SportSouth (1990–1996) Fox Sports South (1996-2021) |
Shares broadcast rights with sister network Bally Sports Southeast. |
| Bally Sports Southeast | Georgia Alabama Mississippi South Carolina Tennessee Western North Carolina |
Turner South (1999–2006) SportSouth (2006–2015) Fox Sports Southeast (2015-2021) |
Shares broadcast rights with sister network Bally Sports South. |
| Bally Sports Southwest | Texas Arkansas northern Louisiana parts of New Mexico |
Home Sports Entertainment (1983–1994) Prime Sports Southwest (1994–1996) Fox Sports Southwest (1996-2021) |
Texas Rangers have 10% equity stake. |
| Bally Sports Sun | Florida | Sunshine Network (1988–2004) Sun Sports (2004–2015) Fox Sports Sun (2015-2021) |
Shares broadcast rights with sister network Bally Sports Florida. |
| Bally Sports West | Southern California Southern Nevada Hawaii |
Prime Ticket (1985–1994) Prime Sports West (1994–1996) Fox Sports West (1996-2021) |
Los Angeles Angels have 25% equity stake. |
| Bally Sports Wisconsin | Wisconsin western Upper Peninsula of Michigan eastern Minnesota northwestern Illinois Iowa |
Fox Sports Wisconsin (2007-2021) | Carries some programming from sister network Bally Sports North. |
Affiliates[edit]
| Network | Region served | Formerly operated as |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania West Virginia parts of Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio |
KBL Entertainment Network (1986-1994) Prime Sports KBL (1994-1996) Fox Sports Pittsburgh (1996-2011) Root Sports Pittsburgh (2011-2017) |
|
| AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain/Rocky Mountain West | Colorado New Mexico Nevada Utah Wyoming parts of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota |
Prime Sports Network (1988-1990) Prime Sports Rocky Mountain (1990-1996) Fox Sports Rocky Mountain (1996-2011) Root Sports Rocky Mountain (2011-2017) |
|
| Marquee Sports Network | Illinois Indiana Iowa parts of Wisconsin |
Co-owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Chicago Cubs. | |
| MASN2 | Maryland Washington, D.C. Delaware North Carolina Virginia South Central Pennsylvania parts of West Virginia |
||
| New England Sports Network | Massachusetts eastern and central Connecticut Maine New Hampshire Rhode Island Vermont |
||
| Root Sports Northwest | Washington Alaska Montana Oregon Western Idaho |
Northwest Cable Sports (1988-1990) Prime Sports Northwest (1990-1996) Fox Sports Northwest (1996-2011) |
|
| YES Network | New York northern New Jersey northeast Pennsylvania southern Connecticut |
Sinclair Broadcast Group has 20% ownership. |
Teams by network[edit]
*team-related shows and/or replays only
References[edit]
- ↑ "FOX GIVES NEW NAME TO SPORTS ALLIANCE: FOX SPORTS NET". Sports Business Journal. July 3, 1996. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ↑ R. Thomas Umstead (July 8, 1996). "Liberty Sports regionals will become Fox Sports net". Multichannel News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 – via HighBeam Research. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "FOX SPORTS NET DEBUTS ON NOV. 1". The Columbian. Associated Press. September 13, 1996. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 – via HighBeam Research. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "FOX SPORTS NET ANNOUNCES DEBUT FOR NOVEMBER 1". Sports Business Journal. September 13, 1996. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ↑ "Fox putting together national Sports Net // Changes ahead for SportsChannel". Chicago Sun-Times. June 24, 1997. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 – via HighBeam Research. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ John M. Higgins (June 30, 1997). "National net keys regional deal. (Fox Sports, Liberty Media Corp. challenge ESPN with stake in SportsChannel)". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 – via HighBeam Research. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "SPORTS LANDSCAPE ALTERED WITH FOX/LIBERTY-CABLEVISION DEAL". Sports Business Journal. June 23, 1997. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ↑ John M. Higgins (June 23, 1997). "TCI/News Corp. $850M SportsChannel deal close. (Tele-Communications Inc, proposed acquisition of cable sports network)". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 – via HighBeam Research. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Ben Munson (December 6, 2017). "Disney's pursuit of Fox RSNs could be big boost for ESPN". FierceCable. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
- ↑ Goldman, David (2017-12-14). "Disney buys 21st Century Fox: Who gets what". CNNMoney. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
- ↑ Littleton, Cynthia (June 27, 2018). "Justice Department Approves Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox With Divestiture of Regional Sports Networks". Variety. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
- ↑ "Disney wins US antitrust approval to buy Fox assets". CNBC. June 27, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
- ↑ Wilen, Holden (Oct 3, 2018). "Sinclair Broadcast CEO eyes deal for Fox's regional sports networks". Baltimore Business Journal. American Business Journals. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ "Sinclair Considers Private Equity to Purchase Fox Sports Networks". insideradio.com. 2018-10-03. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- ↑ Rosenthal, Phil. "The Cubs are starting a new TV channel in 2020. Here's what that means for fans". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
- ↑ Littleton, Cynthia (May 3, 2019). "Sinclair Clinches Disney-Regional Sports Networks Deal, Byron Allen Joins as Partner". Variety. Retrieved 2019-05-05.
- ↑ Balluck, Kyle (2019-06-25). "Warren, Sanders, Booker urge review of Sinclair $10.6B acquisition of regional sports networks". TheHill. Retrieved 2019-06-29.
- ↑ "Sinclair CEO see 'massive opportunity' with rebranding of Fox sports networks". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
- ↑ Soshnick, Scott (June 14, 2018). "Yankees Consider Buying Back YES If Fox Sells Assets". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
- ↑ Flint, Joe; Beaton, Andrew; Gottfried, Miriam (October 30, 2018). "Sports Channels Draw Interest From Private Equity, 'New Fox' and Ice Cube". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ↑ Feiner, Lauren (29 August 2019). "Disney sells its stake in YES Network to investor group that includes Amazon in $3.47 billion deal". CNBC. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ↑ "Sinclair Acquires 20% Interest In YES Network". www.prnewswire.com. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Aug 29, 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ↑ Sinclair’s Fox RSNs dropped by FuboTV - Sam Carp, SportsPro, 2 January 2020
- ↑ YouTube TV Is Dropping Fox Regional Sports Nets, YES Network After Sinclair Standoff - Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 February 2020
- ↑ Bumbaca, Chris. "Hulu drops Sinclair Broadcast Group's Fox Sports Regional Networks, including YES". USA Today. Retrieved 2020-10-24.
- ↑ "Sinclair Posts Higher Political Ad Revenue, Takes $4.2B Local Sports Charge". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- ↑ Feldman, Eben Novy-Williams,Jacob (2020-11-17). "Sinclair Exploring Sale of RSN Naming Rights to Betting Companies". Sportico. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- ↑ Novy-Williams, Eben (2020-11-19). "Bally's Buys Sinclair RSN Naming Rights As Part of Sports Betting Push". Sportico.com. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
- ↑ Moraine, Julie (December 2, 2021). "Sinclair Offers Direct-To-Consumer Sports Streaming Service". Gambling News.
- ↑ "Bally Sports, Coming March 31". YouTube (Fox Sports Midwest). March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ↑ Balderston, Michael (2021-01-27). "Sinclair, Bally Reveal Bally Sports Rebrand for RSNs". TVTechnology. Retrieved 2021-01-28. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Farewell, Fox Sports West. Hello, Bally Sports". Los Angeles Times. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2021-01-28. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help)
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