Review: FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports)
As a part of a bankruptcy filing by Diamond Sports Group, FanDuel has officially taken over the reins from Bally Sports, in the latest rebranding of Diamond's regional sports network group. Now known as FanDuel Sports Network, this network carries regional broadcasts of a wide array of sporting entertainment, including professional, college, and high school teams.
Which services offer FanDuel Sports Network?
- Fubo Sports: $79.99 per month
- DIRECTV: $114.99 per month
- FanDuel Sports Network App: $19.99 per month
*Regional restrictions may apply
The network extends its reach across 33 states, and its viewing options are highlighted by local NBA, MLB, and NHL games. The rise of sports betting is showing no signs of slowing down, and this is the latest exciting venture, with Diamond Sports Group bringing together an exciting fusion of live sports and FanDuel’s betting experience, ticking all the boxes for many fans around the United States of America.
Transition from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network
The transition from Bally Sports to FanDuel sports network brings an exciting injection of new features for sports fans. The new iteration of the network will still deliver the same beloved local sports coverage, including NBA, MLB, and NHL games, but these are now enhanced through the introduction of sports betting integrations and unique programming, such as ‘Up and Adams’ and ‘Run it back’.
Sports betting is incredibly prominent now in the sports industry and is popular among a huge percentage of fans, which means this change to a more immersive, betting-oriented approach should prove popular. The standout changes mean fans can now expect real-time game odds and fantasy sports elements within broadcasts, allowing people to keep an eye on their bets and fantasy teams with ease. This blend of live sports and betting aims to make FanDuel Sports Network the go-to destination for sports enthusiasts.
FanDuel Sports Network Broadcast Rights and Coverage
FanDuel Sports Network holds the rights to broadcast a range of top-tier sporting events across multiple leagues, catering to dedicated fans of the NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as local, smaller leagues. This gives fans unrivaled access to local games, bringing fans closer to their favorite teams. A full list of the various regional networks that are included, and therefore the teams that fans can enjoy as part of the FanDuel Sports Network, can be found online. It is an extensive list, with places like Detroit among the best represented, broadcasting regularly for the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Lions (replays only).
FanDuel Sports Network has established a wide network of regional sports channels, each focused on delivering localized content that connects fans with their favorite hometown teams. These channels provide comprehensive coverage, including live game broadcasts, pre- and post-game shows, and exclusive team insights tailored to regional audiences. Here’s a breakdown of each regional channel and the teams featured:
- FanDuel Sports Network Detroit: FDSN Detroit brings the action for Detroit sports enthusiasts, covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and Detroit Red Wings. Fans can stay updated on all the latest game coverage, team developments, and highlights from the Motor City's favorite teams.
- FanDuel Sports Network Florida: With a lineup featuring the Miami Marlins and Orlando Magic, FanDuel Sports Network Florida delivers in-depth coverage of South Florida’s MLB and NBA action, making it a go-to for fans in the Sunshine State.
- FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes: Fans of the Cleveland Guardians can catch every moment on FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes. From game day excitement to behind-the-scenes updates, this channel keeps Cleveland fans close to the action.
- FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City: FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City covers the Kansas City Royals, ensuring Royals fans never miss out on live coverage and key insights.
- FanDuel Sports Network Indiana: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana is the home for Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever fans, offering coverage for both NBA and WNBA enthusiasts in the Hoosier State.
- FanDuel Sports Network Midwest: Fans of St. Louis’s professional teams can tune into FanDuel Sports Network Midwest for coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, featuring all the latest from Missouri’s major league baseball and hockey teams.
- FanDuel Sports Network North: FanDuel Sports Network North serves Minnesota’s sports fans, featuring teams like the Minnesota Twins*, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Lynx. The channel brings viewers the best in local MLB, NBA, NHL, and WNBA action.
- FanDuel Sports Network Ohio: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio showcases the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Ohio fans an all-encompassing sports experience with their home teams across MLB, NBA, and NHL.
- FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma: Oklahoma sports fans can catch all the Oklahoma City Thunder coverage on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, keeping them close to the NBA season’s thrills and top moments.
- FanDuel Sports Network SoCal: For Los Angeles Clippers fans, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal delivers dedicated coverage, including game highlights, analysis, and more from the court.
- FanDuel Sports Network South: Covering teams across multiple leagues, FanDuel Sports Network South includes the Atlanta Braves, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, and Atlanta Dream. This channel brings diverse regional sports action to fans across the South.
- FanDuel Sports Network Southeast: A broader southeastern option, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast features the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, and Atlanta Dream. It’s the ultimate destination for fans who follow multiple teams in the region.
- FanDuel Sports Network Southwest: Covering Texas and beyond, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest showcases the Texas Rangers*, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Wings, delivering MLB, NBA, and WNBA coverage to fans in the region.
- FanDuel Sports Network Sun: With coverage of the Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Rays, and Tampa Bay Lightning, FanDuel Sports Network Sun is a comprehensive source for Florida’s MLB, NBA, and NHL fans.
- FanDuel Sports Network West: For fans in the western region, FanDuel Sports Network West offers coverage of the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Kings, with all the excitement of MLB and NHL action.
- FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin focuses on the Milwaukee Brewers* and Milwaukee Bucks, making it the go-to for Wisconsin fans to catch up on MLB and NBA action.
*Some networks cover teams in specific MLB markets but might have partial coverage based on the team's broadcast agreements.
With FanDuel Sports Network’s extensive regional lineup, fans can immerse themselves in every play, goal, and moment from their favorite local teams. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, hockey, or more, each channel is tailored to offer viewers a localized sports experience like no other.
With so much sport available, it can sometimes be tricky to keep track of what is being shown where. This is where Livesportsontv.com comes in handy, offering a streamlined schedule where fans can easily find upcoming broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network channels.
In addition to all of the live action, the FanDuel Sports Network features national programming such as American Ninja Warrior, Foul Territory, World Poker Tour events, US Army Bowl, and much more.
How to Watch FanDuel Sports Network Channels
FanDuel Sports Network offers fans extensive access to local sports through its original sports channels, which can be viewed on cable or streaming platforms, such as DIRECTV or Fubo. For fans who prefer the cable route, DIRECTV’s ‘Choice’ package is the go-to option, costing $89.99 a month. This will give subscribers the extensive local coverage offered by FanDuel Sports Network, in addition to over 90 more channels. This is a great way to completely upgrade your viewing experience, greatly increasing your access to not only sports but also news, entertainment, and other channels as well.
The same can be said for DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo, which cost $101.98 per month and $79.99 per month, respectively. The benefit of going down this route is that you avoid cumbersome cable installation fees, equipment fees, and generally longer contracts, giving you more flexibility as well as a huge viewing upgrade. The benefit of going with Fubo is that FanDuel Sports Network channels are included in the basic Pro plan, sitting nicely alongside ESPN, Fox Sports channels, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, and many more.
For fans on the go, the FanDuel Sports Network app offers a fantastic streaming option at $19.99 per month, ideal for people who want to retain even more flexibility. This app is available on iOS and Android, giving users live access to regional games, including NBA, WNBA, NHL, and (select) MLB broadcasts, along with all of the pregame interviews and postgame analysis that you need. Unfortunately, this does not include other national channels, unlike the streaming and cable packages listed above, so subscribers will not be able to enjoy nationally televised games or out-of-market contests on this app.
Pricing and Access Options
FanDuel Sports Network offers flexible pricing options for several different platforms. The cheapest option is to access the network via the FanDuel Sports Network app, which costs just $19.99 a month. This app can be used on the go via your mobile phone, as well as on tablets and laptops.
For those who are willing to pay more money to fully upgrade their television viewing experience, FanDuel Sports Network channels can be accessed via DIRECTV or Fubo, ranging in price from $79.99 per month up to $101.98 per month. Going down this route will give subscribers access to FanDuel Sports Network’s various regional channels, in addition to a wide array of other sports, news, and entertainment channel options.
Pros and Cons of FanDuel Sports Network
FanDuel Sports Network offers a unique and modernized approach to consuming live sports, meshing it with the ever-expanding world of sports betting. Fans can enjoy expansive access to regional games for the NBA, MLB, and NHL, available via cable or streaming packages, or via their easy-to-use app. This is a no-brainer of a service for anyone wanting to cheer on their local teams, and the official FanDuel Sports Network app offers a very affordable way to enjoy all the action, including while on the move.
The list of positives extends beyond the huge amount of live sports available, with the network also featuring programs such as Athletes Unlimited, Foul Territory, American Ninja Warrior, Up & Adams, and more. It also includes a 7-day free trial to really let you test it out before committing to a subscription.
Of course, not everything can be perfect, and there are a few minor drawbacks. First up, FanDuel Sports Network only provides access to local live games on regional sports networks. This means you will have to buy an extra package in order to enjoy out-of-market or nationally broadcast contests. If those games are important to you, the best bet is to subscribe to either DIRECTV or Fubo’s streaming packages, which include all the other channels you need. The other major downside to FanDuel Sports Network is that it is only available in 33 states, which means not everyone will be able to benefit from their services.
Nevertheless, if you are lucky enough to live in one of those 33 states, there might not be a better way to keep in touch with your local sports teams.
Author: Venuse, Inc