A significant development in sports broadcasting has emerged as Comcast and Bally Sports have cemented a new carriage agreement, returning regional sports networks to Comcast viewers just in time for the beginning of August. The previously absent channels will make a timely comeback, allowing sports enthusiasts to catch live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. The agreement primarily affects subscribers to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package, Comcast's premium cable offering.
A noteworthy part of this new deal is a promotional period where Comcast is providing a three-month free trial to customers who choose to upgrade to the Ultimate TV tier by August 30. Post-trial, the service will cost subscribers $20 monthly, enabling fans to follow their local teams without interruption.
Bally Sports channels were initially pulled in early May due to prolonged negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, Bally Sports' parent company. These negotiations eventually led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing that was set for late July.
David Preschlack, Diamond Sports Group’s CEO, expressed his satisfaction with the new 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 stands as a pivotal moment in Diamond Sports’ ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which has endured for approximately sixteen months. The deal not only secures a significant distribution partner in Comcast but also sets a foundation for future digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Preschlack further noted, “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 holds sway in several major markets that house MLB teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. The availability of Bally Sports’ streaming app offers an added layer of convenience for Royals and Tigers fans, providing an in-market option to watch games. However, Braves and Twins supporters have fewer viewing choices due to the current unavailability of Bally Sports’ streaming app in their regions.
As Diamond Sports holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, this renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast arrives at a crucial juncture, stepping in just as the basketball and hockey seasons loom large. The strategic timing ensures that fans will not miss out on forthcoming games, providing uninterrupted connectivity with their local teams.
The future trajectory for Diamond Sports hinges on their ability to finalize crucial agreements with major sports leagues. Their focus will next turn to the NBA and NHL, seeking to secure digital and linear rights that will stabilize their service offerings and bolster the reorganization efforts set forth under Chapter 11.
This pact with Comcast marks more than just a reinstatement of channels; it signifies a renewed commitment to delivering comprehensive sports coverage to dedicated fans. By navigating and overcoming complex negotiation barriers, both Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have underscored the importance of regional sports networks in maintaining the fervor of local sports communities.
For Comcast subscribers, the return of Bally Sports channels translates to an enriched viewing experience. This agreement ensures that loyal viewers will have access to a broad array of games spanning several high-profile sports leagues, all within the comfort of their homes. As the excitement builds for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons, this development arrives at a momentous time, reinforcing the deep-seated connection between fans and their favorite local teams.