FanDuel Sports Network is shifting several of its production jobs to a new hub in Denver, a move that has stirred pushback from crews who fear it could diminish the quality of nightly game broadcasts.
The relocation affects broadcast roles for five NBA teams — the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs — and three NHL clubs: the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators. Six of those markets will see as many as three positions moved, including replay, graphics and score bug operations.
The restructuring is part of what parent company Main Street Sports Group calls a modernization plan, according to a report in The Athletic. Norby Williamson, president of production and programming, argued the Denver hub will enhance the telecasts by providing more technology, staff and live cut-in capabilities.
“We’re trying to make a modernization hub,” Williamson said to The Athletic. “More technology, more personnel, more bells and whistles, more live cut-ins right through the new facility in Denver which they didn’t have before. Everything about it, you’re absolutely right: they’re going to change. And they’re going to be improved.”
Some staff members see it differently. Nine workers, who were granted anonymity to speak freely to The Athletic, described the decision as cost-cutting that could hurt broadcasts and sideline freelance specialists with years of experience working closely with announcers and teams.
The changes come less than a year after the former Bally Sports regional networks emerged from bankruptcy and rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network. The company had been saddled with $9 billion in debt under Diamond Sports Group before reorganizing and negotiating new rights deals with leagues.
Despite the skepticism, Williamson said the Denver approach can create opportunities. Roles that were previously freelance are being offered as full-time positions — if candidates are willing to relocate. “It’s not for everybody, but it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
Union leaders remain unconvinced. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which represents many FanDuel Sports Network workers, noted the Denver jobs are being offered through Mobile TV Group, a third-party vendor that does not provide union protections.
Executives maintain the network is investing, not retreating. Williamson pointed to new hires, more cameras and expanded programming as evidence. He also cited other broadcasters, including ESPN, where he spent four decades, as proof a centralized model can succeed.
“This has been going on because technology allows it to,” Williamson said. “This is not like a new FanDuel Sports Network phenomenon.”
For some freelance crew members, however, the uncertainty looms larger than the technology. “Sometimes change is good,” one recently terminated worker said. “But change like this — not only are you coming in with sweeping changes, but you’re not doing it in a manner that seems respectful of the people who have been there.”
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