Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement, allowing regional sports networks to return to viewers just in time for the start of August. This deal, struck between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, ensures that fans of MLB, NBA, and NHL can once again tune into live, local broadcasts, provided they subscribe to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," the most premium cable package offered by Comcast.
Details of the Agreement
For subscribers, this means that upgrading to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30 will come with a three-month trial period free of charge. After the trial period, continuing the service will entail a $20 monthly fee. The Bally Sports channels were initially pulled in early May due to prolonged negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. These negotiations also resulted in the postponement of a confirmation hearing that was set for July 29 and 30.
Implications for Diamond Sports
This agreement is a significant win for Diamond Sports Group, as it navigates through its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now in its sixteenth month. Diamond Sports CEO David Preschlack noted, “Entering a new carriage agreement with Comcast, our third largest distributor, is a critical step forward in our restructuring effort, and we are pleased that fans will again be able to access broadcasts of their local teams through Xfinity.”
Diamond Sports is also focusing on securing new digital-rights agreements with major sports leagues such as the NBA and NHL. Preschlack added, “With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA. We are mindful that time is of the essence with basketball and hockey seasons fast approaching, and once agreements with our team and league partners are complete, we intend to move expeditiously to present a plan of reorganization to the court.”
Impact on Regional Fans
Comcast covers key markets that are home to several MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. For fans in these areas, the restored access to Bally Sports channels is particularly timely as the basketball and hockey seasons approach.
The Bally Sports streaming app further offers an in-market option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans to watch games. However, Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices without the streaming app, underscoring the importance of linear broadcasting rights. Diamond currently holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, making this new carriage deal critical for fans who prefer traditional televised broadcasts over streaming options.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Diamond Sports aims to pivot towards finalizing agreements with NBA and NHL rights, ensuring that fans can enjoy seamless access to their favorite sports during the critical upcoming seasons. The new deal with Comcast not only brings Bally Sports back to a massive viewer base but also underscores the vital role regional sports networks play in providing local sports content to dedicated fans. As Preschlack emphasized, restoring these channels is a pivotal move in their restructuring efforts, cementing Diamond Sports Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports broadcasts to its audience.