Warner Bros. Discovery is working to gracefully exit the regional sports activities enterprise.

The media large is in negotiations with groups and leagues to cross off these networks, a supply conversant in the matter instructed Front Office Sports. WBD owns and operates three RSNs and holds a 30% stake in a fourth, Root Sports, by way of AT&T Sportsnet.

WBD plans to be totally RSN-free by the 2023-24 NBA and NHL seasons and 2024 MLB season. It might even transition out of MLB broadcasts throughout this season if it will possibly restrict service disruption for viewers.

The firm is in several phases of discussions with groups and should find yourself with totally different outcomes. Its cope with the Utah Jazz, as an illustration, expires on the finish of this season, so there’s comparatively little to debate.

Talks with the Houston Astros and Rockets are extra complicated: The groups are working to purchase their native broadcaster from WBD, according to the Houston Chronicle.

AT&T Sportsnet’s RSNs additionally maintain rights to MLB’s Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, in addition to the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and Pittsburgh Penguins. Root Sports’ broadcasts embrace the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and Kraken.

The firm has not missed a rights fee to any of its groups.