Comcast and Bally Sports have finalized a new carriage agreement, bringing regional sports networks back to the viewers just in time for the beginning of August. The deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group marks a significant development for sports enthusiasts and represents a strategic milestone in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring.
Back in Action
This new agreement allows subscribers of Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package—Comcast’s most premium cable subscription—to tune in to live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. To entice sports fans to return to or upgrade to the Ultimate TV tier, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge for upgrades made by August 30, after which the service will cost $20 per month.
The return of Bally Sports channels comes after the channels were pulled in early May amid protracted negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The renegotiation process even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing initially slated for July 29 and 30.
A Crucial Milestone
“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.
The timing of this agreement is fortuitous, aligning perfectly with the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. Diamond Sports is actively seeking new digital rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL as part of its restructuring roadmap.
“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.
Impact on Markets and Fans
Comcast plays a dominant role 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 the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, Bally Sports’ streaming app provides an in-market option to watch games. However, Braves and Twins fans face fewer options due to the absence of Bally Sports' streaming app.
Diamond Sports holds linear rights to broadcasts for twelve MLB teams, a significant portfolio highlighting the importance of the new deal with Comcast in preserving access for fans across these markets.
Looking Ahead
The return of Bally Sports channels via Comcast is a critical victory for Diamond Sports’ reorganization efforts. The company plans to make pivotal moves to secure NBA and NHL rights, ensuring comprehensive sports coverage as the seasons approach. With the backing of their renewed distribution agreement with Comcast, Diamond is positioned to restore localized sports broadcasts effectively for a vast number of fans.
As Diamond presses forward with its reorganization, sports enthusiasts can anticipate uninterrupted access to their favorite MLB, NBA, and NHL teams, enhancing the overall viewing experience by providing consistent and reliable sports coverage through Xfinity’s Ultimate TV package.