The Impact of Diamond Sports' Bankruptcy on MLB Teams and Broadcast Rights.

Diamond Sports Group, the subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting that owns regional sports networks, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to its debt burden and changing TV viewing habits. The filing allows Diamond to maintain its assets, including TV sports rights, while it negotiates with creditors and attempts to restructure. The process is expected to take time, but most Bally broadcasts are not at risk of going off the air this baseball season. MLB cannot stream in-market games where Diamond holds cable-only rights due to exclusivity, but the league is exploring options for a centralized control over local, in-market options.