Diamond Sports announced on Wednesday that it will partner with Amazon in a restructuring agreement. This means future Oklahoma City Thunder games could be carried on Amazon Prime.
Diamond Sports — the owners of Bally Sports — is navigating through bankruptcy, which it filed for in March 2023. This agreement with Amazon will allow Diamond Sports to emerge from bankruptcy. The agreement is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court.
Under terms of the deal, Amazon will make a minor initial investment, reportedly $115 million. In return, it will get the chance to stream NBA games on its online platform. Amazon’s interest in Diamond Sports was previously reported last month.
“We are thrilled to have reached a comprehensive restructuring agreement that provides a detailed framework for a reorganization plan and substantial new financing that will enable Diamond to operate and thrive beyond 2024,” Diamond Sports CEO David Preschlack said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support from Amazon and a group of our largest creditors who clearly believe in the value-creating potential of this business. Diamond’s near-term focus will be on implementing the RSA and emerging from bankruptcy as a going concern for the benefit of our investors, our employees, our team, league and distribution partners, and the millions of fans who will continue to enjoy our broadcasts.”
In November, the NBA and Diamond Sports agreed to an extension that will allow the Thunder and 14 other teams to have the remainder of their 2023-24 season games carried on Bally Sports.
After that though, OKC will enter broadcast free agency this offseason. Amazon Prime — the $14.99 a month online platform — becomes another viable option. If future Thunder games are streamed there, it will be at a cost.
The Thunder also recently announced their eight remaining Friday regular-season games will air on local Griffin Media television affiliates. Bally Sports and the NBA allowed their teams to explore this option during this season.
The games will be carried on Griffin stations KSBI Channel 52 in Oklahoma City and News On 6 Now Channel 6.3 in Tulsa. The games will also be carried on COX (Channel 7 in OKC, Channel 53 in Tulsa), other cable outlets, and DirecTV and DISH in OKC (Channel 52).
