Comcast and Bally Sports Bring Regional Sports Networks Back to Viewers
In a significant development for sports fans, Comcast and Bally Sports have struck a new carriage agreement, restoring regional sports networks just in time for the beginning of August. This new deal, finalized between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, ensures that live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games are available to subscribers of Xfinity’s Ultimate TV package, the most premium cable tier offered by Comcast.
The channels had been pulled in early May due to protracted negotiations, but the recent breakthrough allows viewers to once again enjoy their favorite local sports broadcasts. The restoration comes with a promotional offer: those who upgrade to Xfinity’s Ultimate TV package by August 30 can enjoy a three-month trial period free of charge, after which the service will incur a $20 monthly fee.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “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.”
This agreement is particularly momentous for Diamond Sports Group, which has been navigating a complex Chapter 11 restructuring for the past sixteen months. As part of their strategic maneuvers, Diamond Sports is aiming to secure new digital rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Preschlack highlighted the urgency of these negotiations, saying, “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.”
Comcast’s coverage spans markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. For fans of these teams, Bally Sports’ streaming app offers an in-market option to watch games, though Braves and Twins fans currently have fewer streaming options due to Bally Sports’ limited app availability.
Notably, the renewed carriage comes just in time for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons, allowing enthusiasts to follow their teams without disruption. Diamond Sports holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, and this agreement with Comcast bolsters their standing as they look to cement further deals in the sports broadcasting landscape.
The drawn-out negotiations initially led to a confirmation hearing that was scheduled for July 29 and 30 being postponed. However, with this new carriage agreement in place, the immediate focus is on securing digital rights agreements with the NBA and NHL, ensuring that fans have comprehensive access to their local team broadcasts as the seasons gear up.
The implications of this deal extend beyond simply restoring channels; it signifies a pivotal victory for Diamond Sports Group in its restructuring journey, demonstrating their commitment to rebounding stronger within the sports media market. As the NBA and NHL seasons approach, the eyes of the sports world will undoubtedly be on the fruition of these crucial agreements.