Bally Sports operator bankrupt
The operator of the Bally’s branded TV networks has announced that it is finalising a restructuring support agreement with holders of the Diamond company’s debt and its parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group. The company says that it will use the proceedings to strengthen its balance sheet, and that that it “expects” the restructuring not to affect the continued broadcasting of its regional sports networks.
“The DSG board of managers has been evaluating strategic opportunities with the support of its advisors and in coordination with creditors to position the company for long-term success and has determined that the best path forward for the company and its stakeholders is to restructure through a chapter 11 process,” said Diamond CEO David Preschlack.
The Sinclair subsidiary has said that it is “well capitalised” with approximately $425m cash on hand to fund the business and the restructuring in the short- to medium-term.
Standalone company
Under the terms of the agreement, Diamond will be spun off from Sinclair and become a separate business. The company’s first lien lenders will be unimpaired, while Diamond’s other creditors will equitise their debt in exchange for equity and warrants issued by the new standalone Diamond.
During this process, Sinclair will continue to provide management services, and will provide transition services following the conclusion of the chapter 11.
“We are utilising this process to reset our capital structure and strengthen our balance sheet through the elimination of approximately $8.0bn of debt,” said Preschlack. “The financial flexibility attained through this restructuring will allow DSG to evolve our business while continuing to provide exceptional live sports productions for our fans.”
First-day relief
Diamond has filed what are described as customary motions with the court seeking a variety of “first-day” relief, in which the business requested the authority to pay employee wage and honour customer programmes during the bankruptcy proceedings.