FanDuel Sports Network — or more specifically, their parent company, Main Street Sports Group — is back in the news again. And similar to much of the past few years, it hasn’t been all positive. However, there also is a lot of misinformation spreading online, so let’s take a look at what’s actually going on vs. what is more speculation than confirmed information.
As we reported last summer, the Kings current contract with MSSG aka FanDuel SN was originally set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season. With the addition of John Kelly and several other changes, it is believed the team signed an agreement (or picked up the option) to continue that relationship for another two years.
Would FanDuel SN still be around? It’s a valid question and one that still remains unanswered. Their corporate structure and long-term financing are still very much in question. However, the Kings — and presumably many other teams — have been placing provisions in their deals to allow wiggle room for the future, including how games are distributed via various streaming platforms, etc.
This entire topic is back in the news again because late Thursday word broke that nine MLB teams have terminated their contracts with Main Stream Sports. The Angels are one of those teams, and that’s at least partially interesting because we believe Arte Moreno has a minority ownership stake of some sort (along with AEG, as we reported over a year ago) in the local FanDuel RSN in Southern California.
Not all FanDuel Sports stations are held under one company. Instead, it’s a group of several networks operating as different LLCs.
Also keep in mind, this is all likely little more than legal posturing. During their bankruptcy proceedings a few years ago, under the name Diamond Sports, several teams terminated contracts only to never have games leave the network. Many returned under new deals. Yes, some — like the Anaheim Ducks — did leave when their contracts expired.
Other reports have suggested that Main Street may lack the financing to stay on air past the current NHL and NBA seasons. Much of this chatter centers around their recent talks to receive an influx of cash from DAZN, a deal that now appears to be less likely. Main Street is said to instead be pivoting to a potential deal with Fubo.
In an attempt to get clarity, Mayor’s Manor did reach out to representatives from the Kings and were told, “We will have alternative solutions in place for every possible scenario that ensures there will be live in-market broadcasts available to our fans.”
For now, there isn’t much to worry about. Kings games will continue to be broadcast on FanDuel Sports and on various other platforms, as scheduled.
Kings content is available now in more places than ever before, including the FanDuel app and through a distribution deal with Amazon. There is also the SLVR channel (pronounced Silver) on Samsung TVs. The Kings aired several games on that channel during preseason and continue to find new ways to provide content on SLVR, including watch parties and other shows.
For now, it’s life as normal. There are no changes to report regarding broadcast plans, nor are there news items expected anytime soon. Check back in the summer.
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