Russell Morgan 
The LA Kings dropped a bombshell on Monday with the announcement that they will not be renewing the contract for television play-by-play voice Alex Faust. The team released the following statement on the decision:
“The LA Kings sincerely thank Alex Faust for representing the organization and our community with dignity and class over the last six years. Alex is an extremely talented and passionate broadcaster with a bright future in the NHL and sports on the whole. We wish him the utmost success in the years ahead.
We welcome Nick Nickson and Daryl Evans to their latest roles and look forward to their continued contributions and expertise. Along with Jim Fox, the veteran trio will form the core of an experienced and formidable broadcast team that will serve our audience well.
The organization currently has no information on a future rightsholder partnership or distribution agreement. Additional broadcast details will be announced prior to the 2023-24 NHL season.”
It’s a disappointing move, to say the least. Faust came to the organization with big shoes to fill as the successor to legendary announcer Bob Miller. But in the six seasons with the team, his knowledge of the sport and enthusiasm brought fresh energy to the broadcast that will be missed going forward.
We thank you Alex for all that you have done for the team in your time in Los Angeles and wish nothing but the best for you moving forward.
Television broadcast in question
As of right now, the LA Kings don’t have a television rightsholder for next season as the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group (Bally Sports) has forced the team to look for a new partner. And they’re not the only pro sports team who has had to tackle the issue.
Just last week, Major League Baseball took over the San Diego Padres broadcasts as Diamond Sports failed to make a payment to the team. “While we’re disappointed that Diamond Sports Group failed to live up to their contractual agreement with the club, we are taking this opportunity to reimagine the distribution model,” Noah Garden, M.L.B.’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement.
Shifting back to the ice, the Vegas Golden Knights went through a similar situation in February as their broadcast partner AT&T Sportsnet announced they would be discontinuing their partnership with the team.
It was a blessing in disguise though for the Knights’ faithful as the team cut a new deal with Scripps Sports in March to broadcast the games on local channels for free.
“This deal is a significant win for our fans because they will be able to see our games on television and for free, if they wish,” team president and CEO Kerry Bubolz said. “That was our goal in finding a new TV partner. We wanted to serve our fanbase in the best way possible.”
Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor recently met with Commissioner Gary Bettman at the NHL offices to discuss the new Vegas partnership and possible future agreements with teams across the league who will have similar issues to navigate. Only time will tell if the LA Kings are among the teams that jump over to Scripps.