💸 Diamond Sports bankruptcy update

In today’s edition:

• 💸 Diamond Sports potentially nears end in bankruptcy

• 🧨 Sabres fire several coaches

• 🎙️ Bruins announcer to retire

• ✍️ Noah Hanifin signs 8 year contract

• And more!

Diamond Sports potentially nears end in bankruptcy

Diamond Sports Group, the company behind Bally Sports regional networks, is nearing the end of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. A judge approved a key document outlining the company's restructuring plan and set a hearing for mid-June to finalize it.

There are still some hurdles to overcome. The NBA and NHL have expressed concerns about the timeline, but Diamond assures them it's just a precaution. Both leagues are also negotiating their own national TV deals, which could affect their agreements with Diamond. Major League Baseball might even end its partnership with the RSNs altogether.

On the distribution side, Diamond has secured a deal with Charter but needs agreements with Comcast and DirecTV, which account for a large portion of their revenue. Negotiations are ongoing, but challenges include rising fees and a shift to digital tiers that could shrink the audience base.

Despite these challenges, Diamond seems confident. They recently settled with the San Diego Padres, one of the teams they cut ties with during bankruptcy. The company is actively working on these issues as they inch closer to exiting bankruptcy.

Sabres fire Granato and 2 other coaches

The Buffalo Sabres are in desperate need of a turnaround, and their patience with head coach Don Granato has run out. After failing to break the NHL's longest playoff drought (currently at 13 seasons) and falling short of expectations in the 2023-24 season, Granato and 2 assistants were relieved of their duties. This decision comes despite a winning record the previous season (2022-23), highlighting the urgency for the Sabres to finally end their postseason exile. Video Coordinator Matt Smith and Assistant Coach Jason Christie were also terminated.

Bruins announcer to retire

Jack Edwards, the iconic play-by-play announcer who for 19 seasons brought the energy and excitement of Boston Bruins games to life, is hanging up his microphone. Edwards, a lifelong Bruins fan who graduated from the University of New Hampshire, announced his retirement on Tuesday. While he's battled speech issues recently, Edwards will stay on to call Bruins games through the end of the playoffs, capping a remarkable 45-year broadcasting career. This emotional decision comes after nearly two decades with the team he loved as a child. Edwards himself described his NESN role as his "dream job," and his passion for the Bruins shone through in every call. In a statement, he expressed his deep appreciation to the team and his family for their unwavering support, allowing him to fulfill a lifelong dream of calling Bruins games for almost two decades.