In a bold and strategic move, the Texas Rangers have officially launched their own regional sports network, Rangers Sports Network (RSN), marking a significant shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting. The decision follows the expiration of their contract with Bally Sports Southwest, a subsidiary of the bankrupt Diamond Sports Group, and is part of a broader trend where Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are seeking greater control over their media rights. This development offers a more direct way for fans to watch the team’s games, while the Rangers stand to benefit from new revenue streams and greater autonomy over their content distribution.
The Rangers’ decision to create RSN comes in response to the financial turmoil that led to the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports, which had previously held broadcasting rights to a large number of regional MLB teams. As Bally Sports faced mounting debt and a shifting broadcast landscape, several teams, including the Rangers, were left in limbo regarding their television rights. For many fans, this uncertainty meant missing games, unreliable broadcasts, and, in some cases, frustration over regional blackouts and contract disputes.
A New Chapter for Rangers Fans
With RSN, the Texas Rangers aim to enhance the fan experience by offering an improved, more accessible viewing experience. The network will air all regular-season games, spring training matchups, and exclusive Rangers content, including behind-the-scenes footage, player interviews, and pre- and post-game analysis. This new level of content availability is expected to give fans in Texas and beyond a more immersive and consistent way to follow the team.
“With Rangers Sports Network, we’re not just creating a new platform for our fans to enjoy our games,” said Rangers President of Business Operations Corey Perry. “We’re creating an environment where fans can feel more connected to the team and its players. From live broadcasts to exclusive content, the network will offer a more personalized, direct way for fans to interact with the Rangers.”
RSN will be available across a wide range of platforms, including traditional cable and satellite providers such as DirecTV, U-Verse, and Spectrum. It will also be offered via streaming services, including Victory+, a direct-to-consumer platform designed for fans who prefer to watch games online. This partnership represents a major step in the Rangers’ effort to adapt to the growing trend of cord-cutting, where fans are increasingly turning to streaming options instead of traditional TV packages.
Survey Reveals Fan Excitement
A recent SB Nation Reacts survey showed overwhelming support for the new network among Rangers fans. Many respondents expressed excitement over the increased accessibility of games, especially those who had faced challenges with previous broadcasting arrangements. According to the survey, nearly 70% of fans indicated they were eager to subscribe to the Rangers Sports Network, citing the convenience of watching games without the restrictions imposed by previous regional networks.
“RSN represents an exciting new chapter for Rangers fans,” said Jeff, a lifelong supporter of the team. “Being able to watch all the games with no blackout restrictions and a more reliable broadcast quality is something we’ve been waiting for. This network is a game-changer.”
This positive fan response highlights a growing demand for direct access to live sports broadcasts, particularly for fans who may not have had access to certain games due to traditional cable limitations or regional broadcasting disputes. By taking control of its own broadcasting rights, the Rangers are not only enhancing the fan experience but also providing themselves with an opportunity to directly monetize their media content through new revenue streams.
Rangers’ Business Strategy: A Changing Media Landscape
The creation of RSN is more than just a fan-friendly initiative—it is a key component of the Rangers’ long-term business strategy. By taking control of their media rights, the team can maximize revenue opportunities from various sources, including direct subscriptions, advertisements, and sponsorship deals. RSN offers a new model for MLB teams, particularly those whose previous broadcasting partnerships with Bally Sports and similar networks were marked by financial uncertainty.
The move also puts the Rangers in a stronger negotiating position with other broadcast partners. With a fully operational network in place, the Rangers now have more leverage in discussions about future content distribution and media rights deals, allowing them to seek more favorable terms in any future agreements. Additionally, the team has the flexibility to develop new forms of digital content and interactive fan experiences that can be monetized through various platforms.
“We believe this network will not only increase our fan engagement but also create new and diverse revenue opportunities for the team,” said Matt Riedy, Chief Revenue Officer for the Rangers. “As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for us to be proactive in adapting and finding new ways to connect with our fans while also supporting the financial stability of our organization.”
The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Models
RSN’s integration with Victory+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service, reflects a growing trend in the sports industry toward embracing streaming platforms. The rise of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video has reshaped how content is consumed, and sports networks are increasingly following suit. Direct-to-consumer streaming allows fans to bypass traditional cable subscriptions and access games via their smartphones, smart TVs, and computers.
The Rangers’ partnership with Victory+ is especially significant because it offers fans the flexibility to watch games from anywhere in the Rangers’ designated television territory, which includes Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and parts of New Mexico. The Victory+ subscription model, priced at $100 per season, is an affordable option for fans who want an alternative to cable TV but still want access to all of the team’s content.
In addition to streaming, the Rangers plan to offer 15 free over-the-air broadcasts for home games, particularly on Fridays. This marks the first time the Rangers have provided free broadcasts since 2014, and it offers an opportunity for fans who may not have access to cable or streaming services to catch the games. The free broadcasts are expected to draw in additional viewers, expanding the team’s reach beyond its existing fanbase.
The Future of MLB Media Rights: A Model for Other Teams
The Rangers’ launch of RSN comes at a time of significant change in the sports media landscape. With regional sports networks like Bally Sports facing bankruptcy and MLB teams seeking new avenues for content distribution, the Texas Rangers’ initiative could serve as a model for other teams looking to regain control over their broadcasting operations.
While some teams are still relying on traditional regional sports networks to distribute their games, others, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, have already begun exploring alternative models for managing their media rights. The success of the Rangers’ RSN could encourage other MLB teams to follow suit, creating a shift toward more team-centric broadcasting strategies in the future.
For the Texas Rangers, the launch of RSN is an exciting new chapter. It empowers them to offer fans more ways to watch the team and gives them greater control over their broadcasting rights, positioning them as leaders in the evolving world of sports media. As the season progresses, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how the network performs and how other teams adapt to the changing media landscape.
