So after all that, Judge Isgur gave the order to allow the Astros to be the lead negotiator with third parties on a new business plan for the Houston Regional Sports Network (the Astros/Rockets/Comcast "partnership" - a partnership that is a partnership like arranged marriages are a partnership).
David Barron:
It names the Astros as lead negotiator with authority to “investigate and
negotiate the terms of carriage agreements, broadcast agreements,
management agreements, lease agreements, equipment agreements, purchase
and sale agreements and debt and equity investments and other matters
pertaining to the formulation of a business plan.”
Jim Crane:
We’re very excited about trying to get something done here for the
Astros, the Rockets, the fans and the city. We think there
is demand. … We’re not looking for the best deal in the universe, just a
fair deal that is good for the teams.
So Crane and the Astros can negotiate all over again with Fox, DirecTV, AT&T, etc, and there will be a status update hearing on November 13. So, no, you probably won't be able to watch the Rockets anytime soon, but you will likely be able to see the Astros in time for 2014.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
