The announcement comes after an inaugural launch of Bally Sports+ in five regions: Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Kansas City, Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Sun and Bally Sports Wisconsin. Viewers in the remaining 14 regions are now set to gain access to the streaming service.

Sinclair Broadcast Group CEO Chris Ripley said: “Today is a significant step for the RSN industry as we offer local sports fans across our Bally Sports footprint a new way to watch their hometown teams.

“We view Bally Sports+ as a great complement to the incredible value our distribution partners provide our linear networks; and with both models, we are uniquely positioned to help our team partners grow their fan bases for years to come.”

The service will cost $19.99 per month or $189.99 per year, with subscribers offered access to live, local NBA and NHL broadcasts, as well as regional programming including college football and high school sports.

Bally Sports+ COO and GM Michael Schneider said: “Launching a streaming service like Bally Sports+ across 19 different regions, all with unique content offerings, is an unprecedented undertaking.

“This full introduction marks a key moment in the evolution of RSNs, but it is also a great moment for local fans who now have another viewing option for their favourite teams.”

In April 2021, Bally’s Corporation and Sinclair Broadcast Group partnered to rename the Fox Sports Net collection of US regional sports networks as Bally Sports.