Comcast and Diamond Sports Group Reach New Carriage Deal: End to Bally Sports Blackout
Good news has finally arrived for Comcast customers who have been grappling with a months-long blackout of Bally Sports channels. Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully reached a new carriage deal, bringing relief to fans eager to watch live broadcasts of their local teams.
The agreement, effective from the beginning of August, marks the end of a frustrating service interruption that left many sports enthusiasts in the dark. As Diamond Sports Group 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."
Comcast's reach in markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami means a significant number of fans will benefit immediately from the restoration of Bally Sports channels. These viewers, particularly those subscribing to the "Ultimate TV" package, will regain access to live, local Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games.
A Turbulent Journey for Diamond Sports Group
The journey to this resolution hasn't been easy for Diamond Sports Group. The company has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months. This period of financial restructuring saw Diamond Sports pulling their 15 regional sports networks, operating under the Bally Sports banner, off the air at the start of May.
David Preschlack highlighted the significance of this deal amidst the company's broader restructuring efforts: "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA."
Diamond Sports Group aims to bolster its standing by securing arrangements with these key leagues. The intent is to present a robust plan of reorganization to the court, ensuring long-term stability for its sports broadcasting commitments. "We are mindful that time is of the essence with basketball and hockey seasons fast approaching," said Preschlack, "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."
What This Means for Fans
Xfinity subscribers with the "Ultimate TV" package are set to benefit the most from this new carriage deal. They can once again enjoy watching their favorite local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. Additionally, the Bally Sports streaming app will provide an in-market viewing option for fans of the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers. However, Braves and Twins fans will need to rely on broadcast channels for local game coverage.
To sweeten the deal, Comcast is offering a free three-month trial of the "Ultimate TV" package, making it even more appealing for sports fans who are keen not to miss a single moment of their teams' action. After the trial period, the package will cost an additional $20 per month.
Deadline for Upgrades
Comcast has set a deadline of August 30 for customers to upgrade to this package, adding a sense of urgency for those who have been missing out on their favorite sports content. The timing couldn't be more crucial with the final months of the MLB season heating up and the new NBA and NHL seasons on the horizon.
Looking Towards the Future
As Diamond Sports Group continues to navigate its financial restructuring, this new deal with Comcast is a significant milestone. Holding linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, the company remains an important player in the sports broadcasting landscape. With CEO David Preschlack at the helm, Diamond Sports Group is actively working to cement agreements with the NHL and NBA, ensuring that fans will have continued access to high-quality, in-market sports coverage.
This new arrangement signals a promising step forward for both Diamond Sports Group and Comcast, helping to restore crucial sports content to dedicated fans across the country. As the sports seasons ramp up, all eyes will be on how these developments unfold, bringing much-needed stability and excitement to the viewing experience.