The Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, have revealed their strategic response to the challenges posed by regional sports networks. They announced the creation of their exclusive broadcast outlet, named Rangers Sports Network (RSN). This asserts the team’s control over the production and dissemination of its own television broadcasts in the upcoming baseball season.
This decision arrives as local stations vie for the broadcasting rights of the Rangers’ games. The Rangers’ innovative action showcases the team’s dedication to improved fan engagement. It aligns with their objective of granting spectators increased access to the team’s matches.
Aimed at streamlining operations and bolstering fan engagement, the Texas Rangers have decided to shoulder many broadcasting responsibilities internally. This shift in duties is a conscious move to bring their fans closer to them and make the team’s games more readily accessible.
Rangers Sports Network was established following the conclusion of the team’s association with the previous regional sports network, Bally Sports Southwest. This change was influenced by the bankruptcy proceedings affecting Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports Southwest.
Diamond Sports Group’s financial predicament affected more than just the Rangers. It left numerous other teams in the league scrambling to secure new broadcasting partners. The scale of the impact was significant enough for the MLB to step in and take over the broadcasting services for at least six teams as they prepare for the onset of the 2025 season.
In addition to forming this new network, the Rangers have instituted a new corporate entity, the Rangers Sports Media & Entertainment Company. This organization is expected to play a pivotal role in the management of Rangers Sports Network and REV Entertainment.
REV Entertainment is a company that specializes in various areas, such as marketing, sports management, and event and production services. This bundle of services bring about well-rounded, all-encompassing care in managing the Rangers Sports Network, with emphasis on innovation and integration.
With these changes, there is a transition of leadership roles within the Rangers’ organization as well. A part-owner of the Texas Rangers is relinquishing his posts as the club’s President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer.
Instead, this partial owner will assume the position of the Chairman of the newly established parent company. The changes initiated by the team support a fresh start and provide fresh opportunities to its members, creating room for new growth and development.
Concurrently, Jim Cochrane has been elevated to a position of increased responsibility within the team’s hierarchy. His new designation as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer marks a significant promotion. Under new leadership, the organization’s direction becomes oriented toward its innovative new ventures.