Josh Kroenke talks Altitude/Comcast dispute as Nuggets, Avalanche broadcasts stay dark

Nuggets ownership is monitoring the direction other NBA franchises are taking their local broadcast rights as regional sports networks struggle in the streaming era.

But four years into a standoff between Altitude TV and Comcast that has blacked out Nuggets and Avalanche games for a large portion of the Front Range, team president Josh Kroenke didn’t have any optimistic updates Monday. Instead, those games remain unavailable on Comcast and Dish Network even after the former settled a lawsuit last March filed by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

“We’re looking at everything,” Kroenke said during the Nuggets’ media day. “I know (Utah owner) Ryan Smith with the Jazz very well. I know (Suns owner Mat Ishbia) down in Phoenix very well. They’ve done very interesting things there.

“Our model is slightly different here in Denver. But we’re looking at it all.”

In September, the Jazz unveiled their plan to return games to over-the-air broadcasts on local channel KJZZ, along with the introduction of a team-owned subscription service to stream games called Jazz+. The Suns are also shifting to over-the-air broadcasts on local television, eliminating the need for fans to hold onto cable subscriptions.

Ishbia and the Suns have even gone so far as to offer free television antennas to help fans watch their team’s games live.

“Trust me, as much as the fans are frustrated, no one is more frustrated than myself or my father on this matter,” Kroenke said. “And we’re trying to find a resolution, because we want to show the best teams in the leagues.”

Kroenke talks practice facility plans

A new practice facility for the Nuggets and Avalanche is part of the Kroenke family’s plans for the area surrounding Ball Arena, Josh Kroenke said.

“We have the land around the arena, and over at Elitch Gardens (amusement park),” Kroenke said. “We’re part of a master plan there to develop that out, and the first phase of that will include, most likely, an Avalanche and Nuggets facility. … But there’s a lot that goes into that. We’re working as fast as we can.”

He had no timeline estimate for the first phase.

The Kroenkes are behind multiple redevelopment projects adjacent to downtown Denver, including a 55-acre site currently occupied by parking lots for the arena formerly known as Pepsi Center. Last year, KSE, the parent company of Denver’s NBA and NHL teams, submitted a “large development review” document to the city of Denver, outlining plans to repurpose the 55-acre space.

Stan Kroenke is also involved in The River Mile, a neighborhood being planned for the current site of Elitch Gardens.

The Avs have used the two sheets of ice at South Suburban Family Sports Center in Centennial as their practice rink since 1998, making it one of the oldest training facilities in the NHL. The Nuggets have a practice court at Ball Arena but hold their annual training camp in San Diego.

Jokic on Brown to Indiana: “You need to go and take that deal”

Nikola Jokic, in his usual deadpan tenor, threatened to strip Bruce Brown of his rights to an NBA championship ring after the Nuggets’ sixth man signed with the Pacers this offseason.

Brown, who declined a $6.8 million player option with Denver, signed with Indiana for two years and $45 million, which was well beyond the Nuggets’ price range.

“You need to go and take that deal,” Jokic said before switching tones. “Of course, we are mad at him. We are not going to talk to him. Maybe we’re not going to give him the ring.”

Brown, as well as coach Michael Malone, teased after the NBA Finals that the backup point guard might return to Denver for one more season, but Brown’s value was higher than expected in free agency.

“Yeah, I didn’t have $20 million,” Malone said. “I will say this with all sincerity: I am happy for Bruce. Bruce helped us win a championship, and in doing so, Bruce got paid. That’s what this business is all about.

“We gave Bruce a platform. He showed, he proved and he got rewarded for it. There’s no bad feelings about that. I love Bruce Brown, and I’ll always be connected with Bruce, stay in touch with Bruce, because of everything he did for this city and this team. That’s pro sports. Players come, players go.”

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• 2023
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