Regional Sports Network (RSN)

Explanation

A Regional Sports Network (RSN) is a cable television channel that holds exclusive local broadcast rights for professional sports teams in a specific metropolitan area or region. RSNs are the primary way most US professional sports team games have been shown to local audiences for decades. Examples include Bally Sports (formerly Fox Sports Regional Networks, which held RSN rights for over 40 teams across MLB, NBA, and NHL), NESN (New England, covering Red Sox and Bruins), SportsNet NY (New York Mets), and MSG (New York Knicks and Rangers). The RSN model is under severe financial pressure — Diamond Sports Group (Bally Sports parent) filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and leagues have been reclaiming rights and moving toward direct-to-consumer streaming. RSNs are why local MLB, NBA, and NHL games are blacked out on MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL.tv in the home market.