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The Baltimore Sun did, in my opinion, the best non paywall update on the results of the Bally hearing, still in its infancy after the filing is now getting actual back in forth. One outlet reported a 9.5 hour debate for just New York area issues. One outlet started the piece by saying, “you may know about sports outlets like CBS, Fox….”ok, please realize when you’re reporting on the IP that was Fox when Disney paid 70 billion for Fox Entertainment, but changed to Bally after being parsed out and sold to Diamond (under Sinclair).
Here is a quote from the story:
The Padres become the first team that MLB will take over production of its broadcasts. MLB set up a local media department during the offseason to prepare for a bankruptcy filing by Diamond Sports, which took place in March.
Ok, a little insight and clarity for all of us. Set up a local media department during the offseason. This would make you wonder exactly when owners were given the sign that trouble was on the way. Listed as having 203k subs, that’s around 50% of the target for Bally. I was privileged to be able to work in a building that had done broadcasts for a while. It was once a requirement for every cable company to offer “local access” in every community. (Wayne’s world fans unite). I saw the empty studio and it was a sad sight. To cost prohibitive, not enough interest, and youtube demolished the model.
Until I can find out where this is stationed, the imagined scenario is this: Cable providers do have space (in buildings set for demo). As long as the service is connected or can be easily integrated into a fiber output (point to point or private delivery) that space could be used. The equipment would be swapped out for green screens and 4K ready cameras, etc. how many months involved and where the space is at relay will be the next dig.
Here’s the next and (opinion) more interesting note:
MLB announced Tuesday night that fans in the Padres’ home television market will be able to watch games on DirecTV, Cox, Spectrum, AT&T U-Verse and fubo. MLB will also offer a direct-to-consumer streaming subscription for $19.99 per month or $74.99 for the rest of the season by registering at MLB.TV.
So, the MLB slot on your current provider (similar to Center Ice grid) will be utilized. There is also the promise of an end to “black out restrictions”. So, you can add the package through your provider or subscribe for $20 per month for the Padres broadcast. First month is free. I imagine the pricing model will be re examined but this is the bridge to make sure Padre fans can watch.
Compared to the Bally Sports Detroit model, feels a little pricey for a single team. But, Bally is in bankruptcy for many reasons. It certainly makes ESPN plus at $7 look like a steal if you’re vpn savvy or live far enough away from your team. The ruling did include a note that 80% of owed revenue would be paid by Bally to the team.
So, the NHL has months to prepare. I’m sure this is being tracked. Comcast does have buildings near and in Detroit. As long as it’s the same provider inside the building, you just splice some Fiber and pay a lot of money. But, if there was a single place I could watch all Detroit games with no blackout restrictions for $20 per month, I would probably go for it. With both the NBA and the NHL in the home stretch, the ESPN “shifts and layoffs” will be announced soon, originally promised for June.
I really don’t know where this all lands. 19 sports networks with Bally, split with games on ESPN and other Turner properties did not help the game. Consolidation with a singular designation would be a great relief for many. I still don’t know if the Padres situation is unique in any way or if all the affected MLB clubs will try and follow suit. It may also depend on how many markets are ready for a new distribution models and the Padres clearly were. Stay tuned.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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