The Dallas Mavericks’ Potential Split from Bally Sports: A New Frontier in Broadcasting
The landscape of sports broadcasting is ever-evolving, and the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a crossroads with their current television provider, Bally Sports. What initially seemed like a promising partnership when Bally Sports took over regional sports coverage from Fox Sports in March 2021 has now veered toward a potential breakup, owing to financial turmoil and fan discontentment.
Diamond Sports, the owner of Bally Sports, encountered severe financial strain, missing a substantial interest payment and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. With a staggering debt of $8.67 billion, the network’s future became uncertain, leading to discontent among both customers and professional teams relying on their coverage.
In an exclusive interview, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban expressed his readiness to part ways with Bally Sports after the current season, pending court approval. This sentiment echoes the growing dissatisfaction among Mavericks fans, who have faced numerous challenges accessing games due to distribution disputes with cable and satellite providers, resulting in frustrating blackout rules.
Moreover, concerns about streaming quality and the overall viewing experience have surfaced, impacting user satisfaction. The shift from Fox Sports to Bally Sports saw alterations in coverage quality, prompting negative reactions from viewers. These issues have collectively soured the perception of Bally Sports among Mavericks supporters.
Bally Sports Southwest covers multiple teams in the Dallas area, including the Mavericks, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, and Dallas Wings. Reports from the Dallas Morning News indicate the Texas Rangers are also contemplating the termination of their Bally Sports partnership after the 2024 season, pending approval.
The potential breakup with Bally Sports presents both advantages and drawbacks for the Mavericks. Transitioning to a new network could expand their reach, providing easier access to games and potential partnerships. A shift might also enhance production quality and improve the overall viewer experience, a paramount goal for any sports franchise.
However, challenges during the transition period are inevitable. Retaining loyal viewers while navigating potential technical glitches or initial viewership drops poses a risk. Yet, the allure of leaving a struggling network like Bally Sports outweighs these challenges, considering the network’s tarnished reputation.
The court’s decision will significantly impact the Mavericks’ future broadcasting endeavors. Anticipating changes in 2024, the organization aims to explore alternative methods for fans to access games. This shift could potentially lead to a more stable, long-term partnership or even the creation of an independent broadcasting network, offering increased visibility in the metroplex and a wider audience.
As Mavericks fans brace for impending changes, the prospect of bidding farewell to Bally Sports holds promise for a fresh and improved viewing experience in the seasons to come.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
