Rangers’ Jordan Montgomery Pursuit in Danger? Media Rights Hearing Delay Impacts Reigning World Series Champions’ Off-Season

This offseason has been slower than usual for quite a few teams. The World Series champions Texas Rangers in particular haven’t been very active in the market. One can think it’s because the team is satisfied with its roster, but the biggest reason is their impending media rights talks with Bally Sports. With uncertainty surrounding them, the Rangers’ have remained a little out of the Jordan Montgomery sweepstakes.

Now reports are indicating the court hearing for the Bally Sports Bankruptcy case has been postponed again. Does this mean trouble for the Rangers’ pursuit of Jordan Montgomery and others?

Bally Sports bankruptcy’s tremendous impact on Texas Rangers 

Diamond Sports, the owner of Bally Sports, has been in negotiations with MLB since last year. Ever since they filed for bankruptcy, eleven major league franchises are still searching for their homes and waiting for clarity regarding their payments. It was expected the judge would do a ruling soon enough, but according to The Athletic, the hearing has been postponed till Jan 19. This was done because both sides are currently in mediation and hoping to find an answer among themselves.

The Rangers have a huge stake in these talks. They had signed a 20 year, $3 billion contract with Fox Sports Southwest in 2010. Diamond Sports later purchased the network and became Bally Sports. While things were smooth initially, a major roadblock was stuck when in March 2023, Diamond Sports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  

The Rangers were reportedly owed $111 million for 2023, which they were paid in full. But this has led to the present situation where the LoneStars don’t know what 2024 would look like. With uncertainty regarding their revenue as well as media rights, the Champs are being a little cautious this offseason. This has directly affected their Jordan Montgomery talks. 

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Monty is interested in coming back to the Rangers, but his contract is expected to be in triple figures. Without any TV revenue, the Rangers’ financial muscle is a bit handicapped. As a result, they’re still unable to go all in on Montgomery. Much to the benefit of their rivals.

Are the LoneStars at risk of losing Jordan Montgomery?

Jordan Montgomery has interest from all over the league. With the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and others after him, the Rangers’ lack of commitment could come back to haunt them. Especially as pitching depth is currently the Achilles heel of the Texas-based franchise. The World Series champs potentially growing weaker is just what the rivals need. But that’s not the primary worry.

The real question is the sustainability of the sport. With cord-cutting at its peak, regional sports networks are slowly losing their market. As a result, more franchises are losing their traditional homes and sources of income. Baseball needs attention, and it needs it right now.

Read more: Boston Red Sox in for Jordan Montgomery? Rangers and Yankees Eyeing Reunions Amidst Prolonged Free Agency