Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company
Texas Rangers Launch Rangers Sports Network to Overhaul Game Broadcasts
The Texas Rangers are taking control of their game broadcasts with the creation of a new company, the Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company. Announced on Monday, this new initiative is designed to improve accessibility for fans while modernizing how the team’s games are produced and distributed.
The new company will oversee the freshly established Rangers Sports Network (RSN) as well as the team’s existing partner, REV Entertainment, which handles sports and entertainment events at the Rangers’ current and former stadiums.
A Shift Toward Accessibility
“One of the main goals when seeking solutions for Rangers television broadcasts was to give fans more access to our games,” said Ray Davis, the team’s majority owner. “We determined that the best path toward providing our fans with more options is to handle many of the broadcast obligations in-house.”
This move follows years of challenges for Rangers fans, who often faced limited options for watching games due to regional broadcasting issues. The team’s previous partnership with Bally Sports Southwest, part of the financially troubled Diamond Sports Group, ended after the 2023 season. Bally Sports was unavailable on many popular streaming platforms and cable providers, frustrating fans across the team’s expansive broadcast territory, which covers parts of five states and includes more than 16 million households.
To address these concerns, the Rangers recently struck a multi-year agreement with A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC) to stream regional games directly to consumers via the Victory+ service. This streaming option, priced at $100 for a full season, is only the first step in the Rangers’ plan to provide a variety of viewing options.
Leadership Changes and Local TV Deals
The formation of the Rangers Sports Network also comes with a restructuring of team leadership. Neil Leibman, previously the team’s COO and president of business operations, will now serve as chairman of Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company. Jim Cochrane, a longtime executive with 28 years of experience in the Rangers front office, was promoted to executive vice president and chief business officer.
The Rangers are also working on deals to secure local TV rights that will allow games to air on traditional cable providers and select over-the-air channels. These agreements will aim to expand viewership beyond the new streaming platform.
Revolutionizing Fan Experience
By bringing production and distribution in-house, the Rangers are setting the stage for a more streamlined and fan-friendly viewing experience. With over 16 million potential households in their broadcast reach, the new approach is expected to create greater access for fans who have been clamoring for better options to follow their team.
The establishment of the Rangers Sports Network marks a significant step forward for the franchise, blending innovative streaming options with traditional TV broadcasts. With this bold move, the Rangers are not just reshaping their media presence—they’re strengthening their connection with their growing fan base.
About the Author
