Early this morning, the Phoenix Suns announced plans to move its television broadcasts away from Bally Sports Arizona and partner with local stations. Now, the cable channel is threatening legal action.
In a statement released after the new deal was announced, Bally Sports Arizona and parent company Diamond Sports Group accused the franchise of breaking its current contract.
"The Phoenix Suns breached our contract and violated bankruptcy law, and Diamond Sports Group will pursue all remedies against any parties that attempt to exercise control over our property interests while we reorganize," according to a statement given to AZCentral.com. This is an improper effort by the Suns to change their broadcasting partner without permitting Diamond to exercise our contractual rights."
According to reports, Bally Sports Arizona's contract with the club features a clause that allows it to match any offer the franchise receives for its local television rights. However, the team maintains that is not true.
"Diamond's position is totally inaccurate," Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein said. "We are moving forward with this deal and could not be more excited about what it means for our fans and our future."
Both the Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury will partner with Gray Television stations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma to increase the television distribution of the franchise throughout the state. The deal announced this morning is a five-year contract for the Suns and a two-year deal for the Mercury.
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