In N.Y., Kosman & Morgan cite sources as saying that Disney is "still considering spinning out its RSNs to shareholders as it prepares to move forward and take final bids" for the 21 RSNs today. A source said there is a "(deal value) threshold" and that if suitors "do not hit that mark, Disney is planning to spin out" the RSNs and give up operating control. While the threshold value is unclear, sources said that any sale of less than $10B for the 21 networks "would be seen as disappointing" (N.Y. POST, 4/15).
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: In Detroit, Tony Paul writes he "mostly" enjoyed FS Detroit's "Players Only" Tigers broadcasts that debuted last week. However, "judging by social media," he seems to "be in the minority." The broadcasts are a "unique experiment, and like with any experiment, the formula will need tinkering, and it will evolve over time." But it is "off to a solid start, maybe a C+ or a B-." There "was a lot to like" (DETROIT NEWS, 4/13).
DON'T BET ON IT: In DC, Jacob Bogage noted after two former AAF players sued the league, in order to "recover damages from a league probably too insolvent to remunerate hundreds of former players, attorneys say they will target the proprietary sports gambling software the Alliance was developing in conjunction with MGM." That software "promised to track player movements in real time and transmit that information almost instantly to mobile devices." However, what is "complicating the matter is that MGM reportedly claims complete ownership of the gaming app" (WASHINGTON POST, 4/13).
