Charter Communications, one of the bigger companies rumored to be interested in buying the Fox RSNs from Disney, has not submitted a bid for any of the 22 channels, according to sources. Charter did not even sign the non-disclosure agreement that prospective bidders had to sign just to see the official bid book. It is possible, but not likely, that Charter could enter the bidding process eventually. Reports earlier this week said that Charter put forth a formal bid for the Atlanta-based FS South, which holds the rights to the Braves, Hawks, Atlanta United and WNBA Dream. Rumors also have had Charter kicking the tires on Fox’ L.A.-based RSNs (FS West and Prime Ticket) -- a market where Charter already operates two RSNs (Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet LA).
But Charter has opted to sit out the early rounds. Comcast, another MVPD that owns RSNs, also opted not to sign an NDA to receive a bid book. NBC Broadcasting & Sports Chair Mark Lazarus said that the government told Comcast that it would not allow it to buy any of those RSNs. Allen & Co. and JPMorgan Chase are handling the auction for Disney, which has 90 days to sell the RSNs from the time it closes its acquisition of 21st Century Fox’ entertainment assets -- a deal that is expected to close in Q1.
