In a significant development for sports fans, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have reached a new carriage agreement that effectively ends a prolonged blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This resolution comes just in time for the fall sports season, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to once again view their favorite local teams starting in early August.
The breakthrough in negotiations signifies a strategic move for Diamond Sports Group, which has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months. The company, which owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, had pulled their channels off the air at the start of May, resulting in considerable backlash from fans and stakeholders alike.
"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 David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group.
Xfinity Subscribers Benefit
For Xfinity customers subscribing to the "Ultimate TV" package, the new arrangement brings renewed access to live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Comcast, which has a strong presence in key markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, is ensuring that its customers can once again tune into local sports coverage.
Bally Sports' streaming app also provides an in-market viewing option for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. However, fans of the Braves and Twins will need to rely on traditional broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
To fully utilize the benefits of the new carriage deal, Xfinity customers have until August 30 to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package. Subscribers of this premium package can enjoy a free three-month trial period, after which the service will cost an additional $20 per month.
Restructuring and Future Plans
Even with the new deal in place, Diamond Sports Group is not resting on its laurels. The company is focused on finalizing agreements with the NHL and NBA as part of its broader strategy to stabilize and expand its offerings. Preschlack has emphasized that reaching these agreements is crucial, given the imminent start of the basketball and hockey seasons.
"With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he stated. "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 Local Sports Fans
The new carriage deal is a win for local sports fans who have been eagerly awaiting an end to the blackout. Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, making their channels indispensable for local sports enthusiasts.
In the interim, the company is working diligently on its restructuring plan, aiming to present it to the court once agreements with the NHL and NBA are finalized. This plan of reorganization is a crucial step in ensuring long-term stability and continued access to local sports programming for fans.
The sports broadcasting landscape has been fraught with challenges, particularly for companies like Diamond Sports Group that have had to balance financial difficulties with the need for broad distribution agreements. The new deal with Comcast is a positive sign, suggesting that despite these challenges, there is a viable path forward for regional sports networks.
As the summer transitions into fall, fans in key Comcast markets can look forward to resuming their regular sports viewing habits. With both companies committed to delivering high-quality local sports coverage, this development represents a significant milestone in sports broadcasting and a hopeful chapter in Diamond Sports Group's ongoing restructuring efforts.