FanDuel Sports Network RSNs Face Renewed Uncertainty as Sale Talks Stall

After a period of relative stability, the regional sports networks operating under the FanDuel Sports Network name returned to financial uncertainty as their owner warned of a possible shutdown. Main Street Sports Group said it would wind down and dissolve its operations at the conclusion of the current NBA and NHL seasons if it failed to complete a proposed sale to DAZN. 

The warning followed reports that the company had already missed a rights fee payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. It had advised NBA teams that approximately $180 million in combined payments due from January onward might not be delivered.

The potential buyer, DAZN, had been in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Main Street Sports Group. Still, those talks were described as uncertain, with the seller reportedly unable to meet several conditions tied to the transaction. The outcome placed renewed pressure on teams and leagues that rely on local media rights fees that account for a significant portion of their annual revenue.

The NBA, which represents the largest share of Main Street’s major league agreements, informed teams that it was prepared to assume production and distribution of local broadcasts if the networks ceased operations. The league has previously outlined plans to centralize local rights to expand direct distribution options. 

With 13 teams currently tied to Main Street contracts and nine others using alternative local arrangements, as many as 22 teams could become available for centralized distribution as soon as next season.

MLB has already moved in that direction as the league has taken over production for six clubs over the past two years and bundled in-market streaming rights within its recent agreement with ESPN. If additional teams with Main Street agreements follow the same path, ESPN could ultimately control local streaming rights for nearly half of the US-based MLB franchises.

Interactive betting features roll out

While financial questions continue to surround the regional sports networks, FanDuel Sports Network has expanded its interactive offerings through a deeper integration with FanDuel. FanDuel and Main Street Sports Group launched a Bet Tracking feature that allows viewers in legal sports betting states to follow their FanDuel Sportsbook wagers in real time during live NBA and NHL broadcasts.

The feature connects live gameplay to gaming account holders through the internal tech of FanDuel Sports Network and the account-linking system of FanDuel, with wagers displayed on screen as the live-action games progress. 

In addition to Bet Tracking, the deal includes further integrations, such as displaying additional odds on screen during nightly NBA and NHL games, as well as rights to certain live events, including EuroLeague Basketball and PDC Darts. The agreement also incorporates betting-related content for use on different platforms and subscription promotion packages.