Comcast and Bally Sports Strike New Deal
In a significant development for sports enthusiasts, Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement, bringing the regional sports networks back to viewers just as August begins. This crucial deal, achieved through negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, allows fans to once again enjoy live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games through Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," which is the most premium cable package offered by Comcast.
The channels had been unavailable since early May due to prolonged negotiations between the two parties. However, both Comcast and Diamond were able to find common ground, with a confirmation hearing initially scheduled for late July being postponed as a result of the breakthrough. Diamond Sports Group views this agreement as a pivotal victory in its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring effort, which has now been ongoing for sixteen months.
Special Offer for Xfinity Subscribers
For fans looking to upgrade their cable package, Comcast has sweetened the deal by offering a three-month free trial period for those who upgrade to the Ultimate TV tier by August 30. Following the trial period, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee, providing subscribers ample time to decide if the additional sports content is worth the investment.
“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,” said Diamond CEO David Preschlack. This agreement heralds renewed access to Bally Sports channels just in time for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons, marking a timely return for sports fans.
Implications for Local Sports Markets
Comcast is particularly influential in markets that host 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, the return of Bally Sports is a significant win. The Bally Sports streaming app enhances the viewing experience by offering an in-market option to watch games for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. However, Braves and Twins enthusiasts find themselves with fewer alternatives due to the absence of Bally Sports’ streaming app in their regions.
Diamond Sports Group currently holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, demonstrating the importance of this agreement in continuing to deliver high-quality sports content to a considerable audience. The renewed partnership with Comcast is expected to mitigate some of the disruption experienced by fans during the blackout period.
Future Negotiations with NBA and NHL
With Comcast now back on board, Diamond Sports plans to shift its focus toward finalizing deals with both the NBA and NHL. “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,” Preschlack added.
The swift resolution of these negotiations is imperative not only for adhering to broadcasting schedules but also for maintaining the momentum of Diamond's restructuring plan. The return of these sports networks to Comcast’s Xfinity platform is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the distributor and Diamond Sports Group, reaffirming their commitment to bringing premium sports content to their viewers.