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AT&T, DirecTV to take over for CSN Houston

Completing networks, AT&T and DirecTV together, submit plan in bankruptcy court along Houston teams to recognize Comcast Sportsnet Houston.

By David Coleman and Ryan Dunsmore
USA TODAY Sports

After months of treading water, there is actual movement in the CSN Houston case. Late last night, a plan was filed by Houston Regional Sports Partnership, Astros leadership, Rockets leadership, and (pause for dramatic effect) AT&T/DIRECTV.

According to David Barron, the Astros and Rockets filed a reorganization plan with Judge Marvin Isgur in advance of a 10 a.m. meeting Thursday. In the plan, AT&T and DIRECTV would split ownership of the network, with AT&T getting 40 percent of the shares and DIRECTV receiving a majority at 60 percent. Neither team nor Comcast would own any percentage of the network under the new structure.

As part of the agreement, Barron says the assumption would be that the regional sports network would join DIRECTV's Root Sports network.

More importantly, the new agreement would triple the market share for Houston's sports, as both DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse hold about 20 percent of the Houston market each. The lone holdout if this deal is upheld in court would be Dish Network. Don't expect a deal there, either, as the other satellite carrier likely won't jump at the chance to carry a competitor's product.

This is far from over, but according to Barron, if the plan is accepted by Isgur, it could be wrapped up in up to 70 days. That's assuming Comcast doesn't fight the move and no other litigation ties things up for longer. Barron said Thursday morning that there are rumblings the Rockets and Astros could sue Comcast for that $100 million startup cost cash injection.

As Astros fans, what do you need to know?

  • First, though the team won't be on this season, barring a very, very quick court process for this reorganization, it does appear that the Astros will be on TV in most of the Houston market by next season.
  • Second, we don't know what sort of deal for broadcast rights might be part of this agreement. Will AT&T and DIRECTV hold the Houston teams to their original rights deal with the network, or will they strike new bargains for those rights? My money is on a new deal as part of this thing, which could put Houston close to what the Rangers got from Fox Sports in rights fees.
  • Third, with a deal reached, it also appears likely that Houston will increase payroll again this winter. Or, at least, the Astros will have the flexibility to do so if the player makes sense. I don't expect the team to go on a spending spree, but increasing player costs by another $20 million isn't out of the question.
  • Lastly, let's remember this. The Astros could be on TV again in most of Houston. This is a good day. It's a day that should have happened two years ago. But, this is still a good day.

Here are some assorted tweets from Barron on the deal from last night and this morning. He is, as always, the best.

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