Weeks after reaching an agreement with the NBA to shed its local rights after this season, Diamond Sports has struck a similar deal with the NHL. Plus: Oregon State and Washington State plan to join the WCC in basketball; NBC intends to use a rotation of lead analysts on its golf coverage; a new pro volleyball league has a deal with CBS.
Diamond Sports reaches agreement with NHL
Diamond Sports, operator of the Bally Sports RSNs, said in bankruptcy court Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the NHL similar to the deal it struck with the NBA last month. As with the NBA, Diamond has pledged to fulfill all of its NHL obligations through the end of this season, after which all of its rights will revert back to the league. The NHL will also have the right to distribute some of Diamond’s games through local over-the-air affiliates. In exchange, Diamond will pay a reduced rights fee this season.
The deals are part of a “cooperation agreement” Diamond struck with its creditors under which it plans to exit all of its rights deals by the end of the 2024 Major League Baseball season.
Diamond is also said to be close to an agreement with Major League Baseball. Sports Business Journal reported Tuesday that Diamond has agreed to pay “most” MLB teams a full rights fee this season but is expected to offer reduced rates to the Twins, Guardians and Rangers. In the event those three teams reject Diamond’s price, their rights would revert to MLB. Notably, per the SBJ report, MLB is seeking to have Diamond put up its stake in YES Network as a form of collateral in the event it defaults on any of its rights deals this season. (The Athletic 12.20, SBJ 12.18)
Oregon State, Washington State, to join WCC in basketball
Oregon State and Washington State, the two teams remaining in the Pac-12 after the current academic season, are said to be negotiating an agreement to join the West Coast Conference as affiliate members in men’s and women’s basketball, per multiple reports Wednesday. The agreement is not limited to basketball, though it was not immediately clear which other programs will be involved.
The schools have already agreed to a scheduling arrangement with the Mountain West for football, but will not be joining that conference officially. (Both schools intend to continue using Pac-12 branding for football, per ESPN.) (CBS Sports 12.20, ESPN.com 12.20)
NBC plans to use rotation of analysts to replace Azinger
NBC plans to use a rotation of analysts on its lead golf broadcast team as it seeks a replacement for Paul Azinger, Front Office Sports reported Wednesday. NBC already announced that Kevin Kisner will occupy the lead role for the Tournament of Champions next month and the Phoenix Open in February. Brad Faxon, Justin Leonard, David Duval, Geoff Ogilvy and Brandel Chamblee are also expected to be considered. Prior to Azinger, the lead role was held by Johnny Miller for nearly three decades. (Front Office Sports 12.20)
New pro volleyball league signs with CBS
A new women’s professional volleyball league — the Pro Volleyball Federation — announced Wednesday that it has reached a multi-year media rights deal with CBS Sports that will include at least ten matches in the inaugural 2024 season. Most coverage will air on CBS Sports Network, though the deal does include “opportunities” for matches on the CBS broadcast network.
The new volleyball league is set to launch at a time of increased viewership for women’s college volleyball. Last weekend’s national championship was the most-watched college match on record, breaking a weeks-old mark. (Pro Volleyball Federation 12.20)
