New Hornets Ownership Talks Future with Bally Sports

Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall discuss Bally Sports in future with the Hornets Organization.

With the sale of the Hornets officially finalized, many wondered what the new owners' stance would be on the franchise's current partnership with Bally Sports, especially since Diamond Sports Group, the company which owns Bally, filed for bankruptcy. 

During the introduction of Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall as the new majority owners of the Charlotte Hornets, they addressed the future with Bally Sports. 

"We actually don't know the answer to that question," said Schnall. "We're obviously under contract through the 2025-26 season with Bally Sports and we expect them to live up to that contract. They're obviously in Chapter 11, so that's an ongoing negotiation and the NBA is very concerned and very involved in that. There will be a place to watch the Hornets. We think it'll be Bally Sports under the terms of the contract, but if not we will have alternative plans."

With this information, it becomes evident that any major changes or transitions in their broadcasting arrangement are not expected to take place until after that expiration date. That is assuming Bally can live up to their end of the agreement.

The upcoming expiration of the contract with Bally Sports and the uncertainty surrounding the network's financial situation can indeed pose challenges for the Charlotte Hornets and other smaller market teams. While having a set contract in broadcasting deals is common, it's also prudent for organizations to have contingency plans in case unexpected situations arise, such as bankruptcy or contract disputes.

The lack of alternative plans in the Hornets organization may have been a concern for fans and stakeholders, as it could potentially impact the team's ability to reach their audience and generate revenue through broadcasting rights.

With Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall taking charge as the new majority owners, there may be renewed focus on addressing this issue and finding a way to navigate the effects of Bally Sports' situation on the team. New ownership often brings fresh perspectives and strategies, which may result in exploring alternative broadcasting options or contingency plans moving forward.

For smaller market teams like the Charlotte Hornets, broadcasting deals play a significant role in their financial stability and exposure. It's crucial for them to have a stable broadcasting platform to ensure a consistent connection with their fan base and to maximize revenue opportunities.

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