Diamond Sports Group has been ordered to pay four MLB Teams by the judge presiding over a Bally Sports-centered lawsuit. Ever since Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy, the future of various Bally Sports channels, and the immediate future of the broadcast rights of related teams, have remained in doubt.
Earlier this week, the first domino fell when the MLB officially took over broadcasting Padres games from Bally Sports San Diego. As a result of that change, Padres games can now be streamed through DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and MLB.TV. This is, of course, in addition to being accessed locally on an over-the-air channel.
In the latest Bally Sports development, a judge today ordered Diamond Sports Group to make outstanding payments in accordance with the previously-agreed terms. The lawsuit was brought against Diamond by Major League Baseball, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers.
While the MLB and teams were looking to recoup payments owed, Diamond Sports Group was seeking to have their contracts adjusted to reflect a fair market value. However, Judge Christopher Lopez didn’t quite see it Diamond’s way, explaining that market risk is always there and the teams should be paid the fees previously agreed.
For reference, the lawsuit had also looked to lift the bankruptcy stay, presumably to unlock access to the broadcast rights, considering they are currently protected by the stay order. However, that part of the suit was not granted.
Instead, Judge Lopez urged the MLB and Diamond Sports Group to continue to talk in a bid to come to some arrangement between them.
With a ruling in this case now made, the onus will be on Diamond Sports Group to pay the outstanding fees. Alternatively, maybe consider returning the broadcast rights back to the MLB and teams.
