Everyone is talking about it, Bally Sports is set to rebrand as the FanDuel Sports Network. If you’re an Atlanta Braves fan, this change might not make life easier for those trying to catch the local broadcasts. Sure, the name is different, but the big issue remains: finding a convenient and affordable way to watch the Braves might still be a pipe dream.
The rebranding announcement covers all 16 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, including Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast. These channels currently air both the Braves and the Atlanta Hawks, so they’re crucial for fans in Georgia. Now, with the FanDuel Sports Network taking over, there’s a chance you’ll see more betting-centric content. However, sports betting isn’t legal in Georgia, so it’s unclear if those changes will have a major impact on the Braves’ broadcasts.
Accessibility is the real concern here. We’re closing in on the end of 2024, and for many Braves fans in Georgia, finding an affordable streaming option remains a nightmare. Bally Sports is currently only available on DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. And let’s be real: DirecTV Stream is not exactly a budget-friendly choice—it’s often just as expensive as old-school cable packages. Fubo TV isn’t a steal either, and neither option is a crowd-pleaser for those who’ve ditched cable altogether.
If you’re a YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, or Sling TV subscriber, you’re out of luck when it comes to catching the Braves. And don’t even think about turning to MLB TV if you live in the Bally Sports South region—blackout rules are still very much a thing.
Traditional cable might seem like the easy solution, but that’s no guarantee either. For example, Comcast stopped carrying Bally Sports over the summer due to a financial spat. So, signing up for a two-year contract with the hope that your cable provider will keep the rebranded network is far from a safe bet. Even Verizon FiOS doesn’t carry Bally Sports, leaving fans with even fewer options.
The obvious answer? The Braves need their own streaming package. Now, Bally Sports did roll out something close to that with Bally Sports Plus. It offers coverage for the Hawks, the Nashville Predators, and the Carolina Hurricanes. However, it does not include the Braves which is frustrating to say the least.
And let’s not forget, this rebrand isn’t set in stone. Bally Sports’ parent company, Diamond Sports Group, is currently working through bankruptcy. If they don’t emerge successfully in the next few months, the FanDuel Sports Network might not even get off the ground. Meanwhile, MLB isn’t thrilled with the arrangement either. According to Evan Drellich from The Athletic, we could see a showdown between the league and Diamond Sports Group, possibly leading to a breakup.
What does that mean for Braves fans? It’s hard to say. It could be a blessing if the MLB steps in and creates its own streaming solution or partners with a broader network. On the other hand, if the situation drags on, fans might continue to be stuck with the same limited and pricey options.
The bottom line is it doesn’t really matter who’s broadcasting the Braves. Whether it’s Diamond, FanDuel, or someone else, what fans need is a reliable and accessible streaming option. Until that happens, this rebrand is just another logo change with no real benefit for viewers.
