The Suns recently announced that their 2023/24 season matches will be broadcast over the air, free of charge, in Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. And also in streaming, especially for the youngest.
This choice was justified by the end of the contract between the franchise and its broadcaster Bally Sports Arizona. Additionally, the latter is owned by Diamond Sports, which filed for bankruptcy in March.
The Athletic nevertheless tells us that the company has decided to sue the Suns in order to block their new agreement for next season.
For what ? Because Diamond Sports claims that the contract with the Suns (and the Mercury in the WNBA) offered him a right of first refusal, and therefore the possibility of aligning himself with the offers of the new broadcaster (Gray Television).
Suns respond to Diamond Sports
According to the company, despite direct contact with the franchise, the Suns did not open this door, and they would therefore have violated bankruptcy law.
“Diamond Arizona’s potential loss of approximately 70 NBA games, provided by the Suns each season, jeopardizes our business, directly threatening our ability to reorganize.”says the company.
That’s why Diamond Sports is asking the court not only to cancel Phoenix’s announced agreement with Gray Television, but also to seek damages.
“This will not prevent the Suns and the Mercury from making their matches accessible to as many people as possible”replied the owner of the franchise, Mat Ishbia. “Diamond’s position is totally inaccurate. We are moving forward with this deal and we couldn’t be more excited about what it means for our fans and our future.”added Josh Bartelstein, the CEO of the franchise.
