With their $76 billion media rights deal kicking in next year, the NBA is all set to embark on a new broadcasting journey. But the future remains uncertain for nearly half the teams in the league. In the modern age of social media and streaming platforms, regional sports networks seem to have lost their charm, and many NBA franchises are gradually leaving cable TV in the dust. Moreover, Diamond Sports Group, which is partnered with the Hornets and 13 other NBA teams is going through a major financial crisis, leaving all the associated franchises in limbo.

After declaring bankruptcy last year in March, Diamond Sports has not been able to dig themselves out of that hole. Hoping to avoid doomsday, they struck a $450 million deal with Amazon following the end of the 2024 baseball season, which would allow them to function even after the completion of the last NBA season. However, the deal is still seeking approval from the bankruptcy judge. Because of it, the teams that are contractually bound with them have no idea where their games for the 2024-25 season will air.

When asked about the Hornets’ TV broadcasting future last year, owner Rick Schnall said, “We’re obviously under contract through the 2025-26 season with Bally Sports and we expect them to live up to that contract. They’re obviously in Chapter 11, so that’s an ongoing negotiation and the NBA is very concerned and very involved in that. There will be a place to watch the Hornets. We think it’ll be Bally Sports under the terms of the contract, but if not, we will have alternative plans.” Unfortunately, the situation has not gotten any better since then.

Sure enough, many franchises have already begun fleeing the scene as 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 have also chosen the over-the-air option over the regional network. The NBA acted quickly to sort things out and even cooked up a deal with Diamond Sports to regain control of the digital and broadcasting rights. However, the deal remains as uncertain as the group’s future.

The trend continues

While the Jazz and the Suns were among the first to make the move, soon more teams are expected to follow suit. Joining the list are the Portland Trail Blazers as they announced their departure from ROOT Sports earlier this week. Yes, they had another year left on the contract. But the Blazers chose to end the partnership in only three years. As of now, it is unclear which network they will partner with next, but it will no longer be ROOT Sports.

However, they made sure to comfort their fans by giving them hope for a bright future, “An exciting announcement on the future television home of Blazers basketball will be made soon.” As more teams move toward over-the-air options, the choice seems to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, staying with regional networks offers a premium rights fee but a gradual lack of audience. On the other hand, the over-the-air option solves the audience problem but does not match local networks’ guaranteed rights fee. Where do you think the future lies for NBA broadcasting?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger