Last week, we reported that Sinclair was closing in a deal to secure streaming rights for NBA games. Today, the deal has come into fruition as the company announced a slam dunk as it has, through its Diamond Sports Group subsidiary (the technical owner of Bally Sports RSNs), renewed its extended market and digital rights agreement with the NBA.
With plans of launching a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming app later this year, the new agreement will allow Bally Sports RSNs to stream live in-market games on an authenticated and direct-to-consumer basis for 16 NBA teams.
“We are excited about our continued partnership with the NBA which allows us to bring the league’s in-demand and exciting basketball content to local fans across multiple platforms,” said Chris Ripley, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sinclair places the highest importance on connecting sports fans with live games and other sports content. We are looking forward to the launch of our DTC platform in 2022, ushering in a new era of local sports viewing with a more personalized and dynamic viewing experience.”
Currently, the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and San Antonio Spurs make up the 16 teams that are served by Bally Sports RSNs.
The launch date of the streaming app has not been announced as of yet.
Recently, Sinclair secured streaming rights for 12 NHL teams and now, they only need to secure a deal with MLB to have a complete package for their future app.