With its $76 billion media rights deal taking effect next year, the NBA is poised to embark on a new journey in broadcasting. But for nearly half of the league’s teams, the future remains uncertain. In the modern age of social media and streaming platforms, regional sports networks seem to have lost their appeal, and many NBA franchises are gradually leaving cable TV behind. In addition, Diamond Sports Group, which works with the Hornets and 13 other NBA teams, is in a severe financial crisis that has left all of its associated franchises in limbo.

After filing for bankruptcy in March of last year, Diamond Sports has been unable to dig itself out of that hole. Hoping to avoid going under, the company struck a $450 million deal with Amazon after the 2024 baseball season ended, which would allow the company to continue operating even after the final NBA season concludes. However, the deal is still subject to bankruptcy judge approval. Because of this, the teams contractually bound to them have no idea where their 2024-25 season games will be broadcast.

When owner Rick Schnall was asked last year about the future of the Hornets’ television broadcasts, he said: “We obviously have a contract through the 2025-26 season with Bally Sports and expect them to honor that contract. They’re obviously in Chapter 11, so negotiations are ongoing on that and the NBA is very concerned and very involved. There will be a place to watch the Hornets. We think it will be Bally Sports under the terms of the contract, but if not, we will have alternate plans.” Unfortunately, the situation has not improved since then.

In fact, many franchises have already begun to leave the scene. The Phoenix Suns were the first to part ways with Bally Sports Network, owned by Diamond Sports Group. And they were soon followed by the New Orleans Pelicans, who also opted for the over-the-air option instead of the regional network. The NBA moved quickly to sort things out, even forging a deal with Diamond Sports to regain control of the digital and broadcast rights. However, the deal remains as uncertain as the group’s future.

The trend continues

While the Jazz and Suns were among the first to make the move, more teams are expected to join soon. On the list is the Portland Trail Blazers, who announced their departure from ROOT Sports earlier this week. Yes, they had one year left on their contract. But the Blazers decided to end the partnership after just three years. It’s currently unclear which network they will partner with next, but it won’t be ROOT Sports anymore.

However, they made sure to comfort their fans by giving them hope for a better future. “There will be an exciting announcement soon regarding the future television home of Blazers basketball.” As more and more teams move to over-the-air broadcasting, the decision seems to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, staying with regional broadcasters offers a higher rights fee but a gradual decline in viewership. On the other hand, over-the-air broadcasting solves the viewership problem but does not come close to the guaranteed rights fee of local broadcasters. Where do you see the future of NBA broadcasting?

Before you go, don’t forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger