FanDuel Takes Over Naming Rights to Diamond Sports RSNs

FanDuel is getting into the chaotic world of regional sports TV.

The online gaming giant will be able to crown the 16 regional sports networks operated by Diamond Sports Group with its moniker, wiping away the Bally Sports nomenclature that has been present on these regional sports outlets for the past few years. The networks and Diamond Sports’ digital and streaming products will all become part of the FanDuel Sports Network.

Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed. Diamond Sports filed for bankruptcy protection in 2023, and since that time, has had to grapple with intense discussions with the leagues it distributes, including the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. In some cases, the leagues have worked to distribute local and regional games on their own.

The pact will give FanDuel, part of Flutter, even more opportunities to promote itself in an extremely competitive sector. “Partnering with Diamond provides us an opportunity to put the FanDuel brand at the intersection of the nation’s largest group of regional sports networks,” said Mike Raffensperger, president, of sports for FanDuel, in a statement. “A large cohort of FanDuel customers are devoted RSN viewers and this agreement allows us to further cement the FanDuel brand with sports fans and provides a unique vehicle to reward our users.”

Under terms of the deal, FanDuel will also be able to syndicate programs from its stand-alone FanDuel TV across the sports outlets, including its “Up & Adams” morning program. FanDuel will also be able to resell Diamond’s streaming offering.

“This partnership reinforces opportunities to further strengthen the close connection our RSNs have with local fans, including enhancing our DTC offering for a growing digital audience,” said David Preschlack, Diamond’s CEO, in a statement. “In the meantime, having finalized agreements with the NBA, NHL and our key distributors, we remain focused on moving our business forward and driving value for our team partners and our stakeholders.”

Diamond Sports Group‘s 16 RSNs will include: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes, FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network North, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, FanDuel Sports Network Sun, FanDuel Sports Network West, and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.