What Diamond Sports Group's restructure plan approval means for Memphis Grizzlies fans

What Diamond Sports Group’s restructure plan approval means for Memphis Grizzlies fans

Posted by Admin November 14, 2024 Sports

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A judge in Texas approved a deal Thursday that clears the way for Diamond Sports Group to emerge from bankruptcy and keep Memphis Grizzlies games on FanDuel Sports Network.

The company had been embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings for the better part of two years, and there’s been doubt about its long-term future. The Grizzlies are one of 13 NBA teams that play on FanDuel Sports Network, which was recently rebranded from Bally Sports.

Diamond — which operates FanDuel Sports Network — also made a deal this week with Amazon that is expected to eventually allow subscribers to watch games through Prime Video.

This deal had been in the works for months, but it just needed final approval from Judge Christopher Lopez in the Southern District of Texas. The plan will see Diamond reduce its debt from $9 billion to $200 million.

The current agreement for the Grizzlies and other NBA teams extends for the rest of the 2024-25 season, but there’s no guarantee that those teams will continue to be with FanDuel Sports Network after that. Some teams, including many previously with Diamond Sports, have regained control of their local TV rights and made deals with broadcast companies themselves.

While there will still be questions about the Grizzlies’ long-term broadcast future, Thursday’s agreement further clears the way for the team to play on FanDuel Sports Network the rest of the season and provides some more stability to the company for both the short and long terms.

FanDuel Sports Network is carried on Comcast Xfinity, Direct TV, FUBO TV and through the FanDuel Sports Network app. Under a new option, fans can now purchase single games for $6.99 or can subscribe for a monthly price of $19.99.

The Grizzlies are back in action on Friday against the Golden State Warriors.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.