In a significant development for fans of the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers, one-year broadcasting deals with Diamond Sports have been officially approved by Judge Chris Lopez in bankruptcy court. The contracts ensure that fans of these teams will be able to watch TV broadcasts in 2024 through Diamond's Bally-branded regional sports networks.

While the approvals guarantee that fans can enjoy broadcasts as they did before, it is important to note that these deals do not provide any new in-market streaming options for fans who have faced difficulties watching games. However, the one-year contracts serve as a bridge year, allowing the teams to receive reduced rights fees while strategizing ways to expand accessibility for 2025 and beyond.

To watch broadcasts in 2024, fans within the television markets of the three teams will still need to subscribe to a service, such as cable or satellite, that carries the team's regional sports network. The Cleveland Guardians are carried on Bally Sports Ohio, the Texas Rangers on Bally Sports Southwest, and the Minnesota Twins on Bally Sports North.

For out-of-market fans, the options remain unchanged, with the ability to sign up for MLB.tv (a streaming option) or MLB Extra Innings (offered through cable and satellite providers). Unfortunately, the lack of an expanded in-market streaming option may disappoint fans, as none of the three teams will be available on Diamond's in-market streaming service, Bally Sports Plus, in 2024.

While Diamond did not receive in-market digital rights from the teams, it was made clear that during the 2024 season, no other parties would be granted permission to use those rights, as Diamond wants to maximize the value of the broadcasting contracts.

The absence of expanded streaming rights may be a letdown for fans, but it is important to consider the financial implications for the teams. Broadcast rights contribute significantly to a team's cash revenues, comprising around 20 to 30 percent during a season, according to Thomas Lauria, a lawyer representing the Texas Rangers. The one-year deal provides financial security for the teams, allowing them to meet obligations like payroll.

In a press conference on Thursday, Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the challenges teams are facing due to revenue declines. He emphasized the efforts being made to explore short-term revenue opportunities and provide a long-term vision to rebuild this vital source of income.

Looking ahead to 2025, the three teams may have enhanced streaming options, as Manfred expressed his hope to introduce a national streaming package for 14 or more teams. The Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers are natural candidates for inclusion since they are not under contract with Diamond for 2025.

Specific details about the rights fees in the revised deals have not been disclosed, as they are considered highly confidential and contain sensitive commercial terms. Nevertheless, it is known that both the Cleveland Guardians and the Texas Rangers will experience fee reductions of no more than 15 percent compared to their previous longer-term deals.

The approval of these MLB-related deals brings some relief to fans eager to know how they will be able to support their teams. As the Diamond bankruptcy case continues to unfold, additional developments, including a potential restructuring plan involving investor Amazon, could shape the future of broadcasting rights agreements.

Overall, while fans may have hoped for expanded streaming options, the approved one-year deals provide continuity for 2024 while the teams work towards ensuring better accessibility for the future.

[Source: The Athletic]