Recently, Gary Bettman's claim that the NHL was flourishing has been challenged by recent events. Two major broadcasting partners are facing significant issues, causing complications for the league.
Yesterday, it was reported that the marketing teams of the Seattle Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Vegas Golden Knights will be extremely busy following an announcement by Warner Bros. Discovery.
Insider sources have revealed that Warner Bros. Discovery has informed professional sports teams whose games are broadcasted on three of its regional sports networks that it intends to exit the business and discontinue operating the channels.
These three networks were part of WarnerMedia's assets, which were acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery from AT&T Inc. Teams were sent a letter on Friday warning them that the business will not have adequate funds to pay the upcoming rights fees, which are due by late March.
The letter proposes that AT&T SportsNet transfer ownership of the networks and programming rights to the teams for no purchase price consideration beyond a release by the teams of any future claims against the networks.
Today in regional sports network news that impacts #NHL business:
"Warner has told teams that they have until March 31 to reach an agreement to take their rights back."
This news impacts #LetsGoPens, #SeaKraken and #VegasBorn. https://t.co/nlu9pcx9Ie— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 24, 2023
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