Cleveland Guardians’ Television Broadcast Future Could Be In Jeopardy

Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Cleveland's television broadcaster Bally Sports, may decide to terminate its broadcasting deal with the Guardians this offseason.

The Cleveland Guardians have had their local television broadcasts on Bally Sports since the 2021 season.

However, this may not be the case in 2024.

In a recent article, Evan Drellich and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic discuss how the Guardians are one of two MLB teams whose broadcasting deals may be terminated soon.

Per Drellich and Vorkunov, “A United States federal judge approved a wind-down plan for Diamond Sports Group on Wednesday, setting up a potential path to an endgame for the broadcaster and its bankruptcy proceedings.”

Back in March, Bally Sports’ parent company, Diamond Sports Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to considerable debt.

Per Cleveland.com Guardians beat writer Paul Hoynes, Cleveland received $55 million from Diamond Sports Group in 2023.

Sep 28, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians television broadcaster Rick Manning during a game between the Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

If the Guardians are ultimately dropped from Diamond Sports Group, the team could either have its games broadcasted by MLB or strike a deal with another broadcast provider.

Also, the potential lack of a television deal could affect the Guardians’ payroll.

Cleveland President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti shared his thoughts on the situation in an article from Hoynes.

“We don’t yet have clarity on that other than there’s financial uncertainty, so that makes things a bit harder to plan. It’s difficult to plan in a normal year at this point in the offseason as we’re still trying to wrap our arms around what our revenues might be. The Bally’s component adds more uncertainty and that certainly makes it harder.”

Per Drellich and Vorkunov, “The league has been pushing for certainty as to its 2024 broadcast agreements and revenues, and a hearing on a motion the league brought is expected no later than Dec. 8.”

Considering this date, Cleveland fans could find out soon if the team’s local games will remain on Bally Sports or not.