FanDuel takes over naming rights for Diamond Sports RSNs

FanDuel delves into the chaotic world of regional sports television.

The online gaming giant will be able to crown Diamond Sports Group’s 16 regional sports networks with its moniker, doing away with the Bally Sports nomenclature that has been present in these regional sports outlets in recent years. Diamond Sports’ networks, digital and streaming products will all become part of the FanDuel Sports Network.

The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Diamond Sports filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and has since faced intense discussions with the leagues it distributes, including the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. In some cases, leagues have worked to distribute local and regional games themselves.

The pact will give FanDuel, part of Flutter, even more opportunities to compete in an extremely competitive sector. “Partnering with Diamond provides us with the opportunity to place the FanDuel brand at the intersection of the nation’s largest group of regional sports networks,” FanDuel sports president Mike Raffensperger said in a statement. “A large cohort of FanDuel customers are loyal RSN viewers and this agreement allows us to further solidify the FanDuel brand among sports fans and provides a unique means of rewarding our users.”

As part of the agreement, FanDuel will also be able to syndicate programming from its standalone FanDuel TV across sports channels, including its morning program “Up & Adams.” FanDuel will also be able to resell Diamond’s streaming offering.

“This partnership provides opportunities to further strengthen our RSNs’ deep connection with local fans, including enhancing our DTC offering to a growing digital audience,” Diamond CEO David Preschlack said in a statement. “Having now entered into agreements with the NBA, NHL and our key distribution partners, we remain focused on growing our business and increasing value for our team partners and our stakeholders.”

More to come…