Bally bankruptcy: Challenges, opportunity for Tigers

With Opening Day Thursday, questions remain

BY JAY DAVIS

e Detroit Tigers open their season on the road on ursday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and there’s one question that’s top of mind for most fans: “Where will I be able to watch?”

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lings earlier this month by Diamond

Sports Group LLC and Bally Sports have put the TV future of games for 14 MLB teams, including the Tigers, in question.

Right now, the plan is business as usual for Bally Sports Detroit, but the bankruptcy has already meant some missed payments for rights fees. At least one team has said it would end its local deal if not paid, and MLB is reportedly making backup plans to broadcast games if Diamond’s bankruptcy interrupts them. e Tigers in 2021 signed a new deal with Bally Sports Detroit that began in the 2022 season. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Tigers o cials did not respond to requests for additional information or comment on their plans. at new deal included streaming rights, meaning the team is due to earn a portion of revenue brought in through Bally Sports Plus, priced at $19.99 a month. Regional sports networks, or RSNs, like Bally typically earn close to 90 percent of their revenue from customer subscriptions through cable providers or standalone streaming services like Bally Sports Plus.

Locally, Bally Sports Detroit is available through cable providers and most streaming services. Currently, the plan remains to air all Tigers games on Bally Sports. Bally Sports Plus remains an option, but its $19.99 a month price point is on the high end for sports streaming options.

See BALLY SPORTS on Page 18