A company that owns a minority stake in Root Sports Northwest reportedly is planning to exit the regional sports network business, but those plans will not affect the Portland Trail Blazers’ broadcasting partnership, the team said Friday.
According to the Sports Business Journal, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns 40% of Root Sports Northwest, has told leagues and teams that it’s seeking to end its ties with regional sports networks within the next several weeks.
Warner Bros. Discovery runs three AT&T SportsNet-branded channels in Houston, Denver and Pittsburgh, as well as its minority stake in the Seattle-based Root channel, which broadcasts games for the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Mariners and Seattle Kraken. The Mariners own 60% of Root Sports Northwest.
“The news that Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to leave the business of regional sports networks does not impact the Portland Trail Blazers partnership with Root Sports,” the Blazers tweeted. “Portland Trail Blazers games will continue to be broadcast on Root Sports and Root Sports Plus.”
Warner Bros. Discovery has informed teams that they must reach an agreement to take their rights back by March 31, the Sports Business Journal reported.
The Blazers’ regular-season schedule ends April 9.
If deals aren’t reached, Warner Bros. Discovery will seek to file Chapter 7 liquidation filing.
In a statement provided to the Sports Business Journal, Warner Bros. Discovery said: “AT&T SportsNet is not immune to the well-known challenges that the entire RSN industry is facing. We will continue to engage in private conversations with our partners as we seek to identify reasonable and constructive solutions.”
The Blazers severed ties with NBC Sports Northwest after 14 years to sign a four-year deal with Root Sports Northwest in 2021. The deal runs through the 2024-25 season.
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook). Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts