The regional sports networks under Bally Sports are returning to Comcast viewers just in time for the onset of August, after a new carriage agreement was reached between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This deal promises live broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games to those who subscribe to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," the top-tier cable package offered by Comcast.
Enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief as the agreement unveils Comcast’s plans to offer a three-month free trial for those upgrading to "Ultimate TV" by August 30. Once this trial period concludes, the service will carry a monthly fee of $20.
A Long-Awaited Agreement
The revamping of Bally Sports channels had been on hold since early May, stemming from drawn-out negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This deadlock saw a confirmation hearing initially slated for late July being postponed, adding to the anticipation among subscribers.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, highlighted the significance of this development, 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 plays a critical role in Diamond’s Chapter 11 restructuring process, which has now stretched over sixteen months. As part of its strategic pivot, Diamond Sports Group aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL.
Impact on Various Markets
Comcast holds a robust presence in markets home to several Major League Baseball teams, including 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 offers an in-market option to watch games. However, fans of the Braves and Twins face limited choices due to the unavailability of the Bally Sports streaming app.
Renewed access to Bally Sports channels through Comcast arrives at a pivotal moment, aligning with the incoming basketball and hockey seasons. This timing ensures that fans won’t miss the live action following their local teams.
Further Plans and Focus
Fuelled by this new carriage agreement, Diamond Sports Group is now intensely focused on securing a stable future for its broadcasting rights. CEO David Preschlack emphasized, “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.”
Moreover, Diamond holds linear broadcasting rights to twelve MLB teams, positioning it as a substantial player in the sports broadcasting landscape. The ongoing efforts to solidify agreements with NBA and NHL teams are critical steps that will likely influence the future structure and offerings of Diamond Sports Group’s broadcast capabilities.
As the restructuring efforts continue and new agreements take shape, the importance of these developments cannot be overstated for fans and stakeholders alike. The dedication to securing these rights presents a resilient commitment to ensuring fans have access to their local sports, a cornerstone of Diamond Sports Group’s strategy as they navigate through the Chapter 11 proceedings.
In summary, the renewed carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group is a welcome outcome for sports fans eagerly awaiting the comeback of Bally Sports channels. It shows a reinvigorated effort toward a stable and promising broadcasting future for local and regional sports.