In a groundbreaking move, the Texas Rangers have established their own media company to produce and distribute game broadcasts. The newly formed Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company, which includes the Rangers Sports Network (RSN) and REV Entertainment, signals a significant shift in how the MLB team delivers content to its fans.
This bold strategy comes in response to ongoing access issues that have plagued Rangers broadcasts in recent seasons. By bringing production in-house, the team aims to give fans more options to watch games and expand their reach across their extensive broadcast territory, which spans over 16 million households in five states.
Empowering Fans with More Viewing Options
Rangers majority owner Ray Davis emphasized that a primary goal of this transition was to empower fans with greater access to games. Davis stated:
We determined that the best path toward providing our fans with more options is to handle many of the broadcast obligations in-house.
– Ray Davis, Texas Rangers Majority Owner
The first step in this fan-centric approach was a multiyear streaming deal with A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC), allowing fans to stream Rangers games directly via the Victory+ service starting this season. Although this $100 full-season package caused some initial sticker shock, the team promises it’s just the beginning of a multi-pronged strategy to offer various viewing options.
Addressing Past Broadcast Challenges
The Rangers’ previous deal with Bally Sports Southwest, part of the troubled Diamond Sports Group, expired after the 2022 season. This partnership was marred by access issues, as the channel wasn’t carried by some popular cable companies and many streaming platforms. The new in-house model seeks to solve these problems and ensure fans can reliably watch games across cable, satellite, and over-the-top streaming.
Leadership Changes to Support New Direction
To oversee this transition, the Rangers have reshuffled their leadership team. Neil Leibman, a member of the ownership group, will chair the new media company, while Jim Cochrane, a 28-year front office veteran, has been promoted to Executive VP and Chief Business Officer.
Looking Ahead: TV Rights, Expanded Reach
The Rangers Sports Network is already looking ahead to negotiating new TV rights deals to further expand game access. This will likely include agreements with traditional cable providers, as well as limited over-the-air broadcasts to reach cord-cutters. With a huge broadcast territory across Texas and four neighboring states, the potential for audience growth is significant.
As the Rangers blaze a new trail in sports media, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if this move pays off. Can a team-owned network give fans the viewing experience they crave? Will the economics work for the franchise long-term? The whole industry is watching to see if the Rangers’ bold bet is visionary or risky in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
