Report: FanDuel Sports Network May Shutter Next Week

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!

Main Street Sports Group, the owner of the FanDuel Sports Networks, may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as early as next week, according to a new report from Sports Business Journal.

The financially ailing RSN (Regional Sports Network) company, which has the regional TV rights to 29 NBA, NHL and MLB teams, has searched for a buyer during the last few months. But it appears that global sports distributor DAZN is no longer interested and there may not be a second option.

SBJ writes that unless new financing emerges by next week, Main Street Sports Group will likely begin dissolution under Chapter 7. That would likely lead to the leagues taking back the TV rights and begin broadcasting team games on their league-operated streaming services.

The leagues would then have to secure agreements with TV providers such as cable and satellite to continue carriage in their lineups.

SBJ writes that a scheduled meeting this week between Main Street Sports Group and MLB to discuss options did not take place, a possible sign that the RSN company has concluded that the end is near.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that the league might package league-run broadcasts to a third party such as ESPN. The league is now committed to broadcasting the games of seven teams with the Washington Nationals joining this month. However, it now appears unlikely that an ESPN regional sports deal would begin in 2026. The Nats said its MLB TV broadcasts would not be available on ESPN this season.

Main Street Sports declared bankruptcy two years ago when the RSNs were called Bally Sports. But they were able to continue operating after negotiating reduced rights fees with the teams. However, it appears unlikely that the teams will entertain another fee reduction which is why the Chapter 7 dissolution bankruptcy would be likely.

What Are the 29 FanDuel Sports Network Teams?

MLB
Atlanta Braves
Cincinnati Reds
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels
Miami Marlins
Milwaukee Brewers
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays

NHL
Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit Red Wings
Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues

NBA
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
San Antonio Spurs.

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