The Nashville Predators are currently exploring TV options for the 2024-25 season and beyond, as their current rights-holder, Diamond Sports Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. This move came after the company failed to make a $140 million interest payment to lenders, leading to chaos in regional carriage agreements. As a result, Comcast/Xfinity removed Bally Sports from its lineup on May 1, affecting many Predators fans.
One potential solution for the Predators is to broadcast their games on a free, over-the-air station in Nashville. This would allow anyone in the Nashville broadcast area to watch Predators games for free if Bally Sports is unable to carry the games next season. Another option being considered is a direct-to-consumer model, where fans could pay a subscription fee to stream Predators games on their devices.
The success of this model has been seen with other NHL teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, who offer local broadcasts on over-the-air stations as well as streaming options. By offering fans both free over-the-air broadcasts and direct-to-consumer paid options, the Predators could ensure that all fans have access to their games regardless of the outcome of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy proceeding is expected to conclude on July 29, and updates on the Predators’ TV options for next season will be announced after that date. Fans will have to wait until then to see how the team plans to address the potential broadcast challenges they may face in the upcoming season.
