The final bids were due last week for the 22 regional sports networks (RSNs) that are being sold as a part of the Disney/Fox deal.
All 22 RSNs could fetch up to $22B according to some estimates.
Potential buyers include:
1) Private equity companies
2) Sinclair Broadcast Group
3) Ice Cube
Those currently on the sideline include:
1) Fox Sports
2) Comcast/NBC Sports
3) Disney
The New York Yankees currently own 20% of the YES Network and may buy the remaining 80%.
Monthly subscriber fees for Fox’s priciest RSNs:
1) YES Network — $6.37
2) Fox Sports Detroit — $5.84
3) Fox Sports Arizona — $4.84
4) Fox Sports Ohio — $4.07
5) Fox Sports Wisconsin — $3.22
Flashback #1: Big Ten TV revenue distribution reaches an insane $51 million per school
Each school in the Big Ten is projected to receive $51M from the Big Ten Network this year.
Revenue distribution per school:
1) 2013 — $25M
2) 2017 — $36M
3) 2018 — $51M (↑ 42% YoY)
Flashback #2: Sources: Cubs To Go Own Way In TV Venture
Current deal: The Cubs will get paid $750K per game next year for broadcast rights.
How much more could they make? How about 3X more! The Dodgers make ≈$2M per game in local broadcast rights through SportsNet LA.
Flashback #3: The Dodgers Are on a Roll but Fans Remain in the Dark Amid Cable-TV Dispute
The Dodgers are guaranteed $8.35B over 25 years from Time Warner (now Charter Communications).
That breaks down to an average of $334M/year!
In order to break even, the Network needs to make $1,988 from every pay-TV subscriber in the region or an average of $80/year.
More #1: 2018 MLB Regional TV Ratings In Prime Time Shows Continued Strong Popularity
More #2: Big decisions due on Fox RSNs, Cubs’ media rights
More #3: NFL certainly has its issues, but Major League Baseball is the one that’s truly suffering
