Cincinnati sports teams and broadcasters are navigating through changes. In ways that will affect how fans will watch and hear games going forward.

Earlier this week, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s men’s basketball teams faced each other. The game was telecast on FanDuel Sports Network. Which until a few weeks ago was known as Bally Sports Ohio. Prior to 2021, the regional sports network was known as FOX Sports Ohio. An identity the channel had for over 20 years. These branding changes reflect the changing landscape of sports broadcasting. In Cincinnati and across the United States.

The name change isn’t the only major change affecting FanDuel Sports Network. The regional sports network is also losing the broadcasting rights to the Cincinnati Reds. For many fans, Reds games are one of the principal reasons they tune into the channel. Major League Baseball will produce and distribute local Reds telecasts next season. The Reds hope this will increase access to Reds telecasts for fans. In the seven states considered part of the Reds’ TV territory. Along with fans elsewhere through direct-to-consumer streaming options.

Several MLB teams have taken this route. MLB produced local telecasts for the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies last season. The Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians are also moving away from regional sports networks. For roughly four decades, regional sports networks provided a significant revenue stream for major league teams. MLB teams are a unique beneficiary of this model. Since they have 162 regular season games to offer. Giving RSN’s six months’ worth of steady content to deliver.

Yet, this model is in a state of flux for a few reasons. In FanDuel Sports Network’s case, it ties back to its parent company. That company, Diamond Sports Group, is trying to emerge from bankruptcy. DSG’s financial struggles nearly led to the company losing the Reds broadcasting rights in 2023. Add to this, the effects of consumers “cutting the cord” by dropping cable and satellite subscriptions. Opting to stick with free over the air options or streaming options. Instead of having to deal with a cable bill and occasional carriage disputes between networks and cable providers.

The Reds are not the only local teams making media rights changes. Starting in July 2025, the University of Cincinnati will bring their media rights in-house. After their current media deal with Learfield expires. UC’s operation will be known as “Cincy Sports Partners.” According to an October Sportico report, Clemson and Arizona made moves similar to the one UC is making. UC is looking to maintain some control amid the changing college sports landscape. It’s unknown at this time how this will affect UC Athletics’ radio partnership with IHeartMedia Cincinnati.

This change comes as Learfield emerges from financial struggles. Last year, the company completed a $1.1 billion recapitalization process. In an effort to reduce the company’s debt. According to Yahoo Sports, Learfield lost $2.1 billion between 2019 and 2022. With these issues in mind, it’s understandable why UC would be looking for an in-house or backup option.

The changes affecting sports broadcasting are affecting the media broadly. With a vast array of options, everyone is trying to figure out what will work in the future. With many questions about the future being asked by media makers and consumers. Leagues are trying to figure out the future too. While teams try to navigate the future on and off of the field.