In a significant development for sports fans, Comcast and Bally Sports have announced a new carriage agreement that will see the return of the regional sports networks to Comcast subscribers just in time for the start of August. This new deal, struck between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, brings the popular Bally Sports channels back to screens, ending a blackout that began in early May due to drawn-out negotiations.
The restoration of Bally Sports will allow enthusiasts to catch live, local broadcasts of Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games, provided they are subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package. This high-end cable tier offers a compelling proposition for those dedicated to following their local teams, and Comcast has sweetened the deal by offering a three-month free trial for upgrades completed by August 30, before the service transitions to a $20 monthly fee.
This deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group is more than just a win for the fans; it's a critical milestone in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now enduring for sixteen months. Diamond CEO David Preschlack emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting, "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."
Indeed, the successful negotiation has averted a potentially contentious confirmation hearing that was initially slated for July 29 and 30. Instead, Diamond can now redirect its focus toward securing digital-rights agreements with 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," Preschlack added. "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 MLB Fans
Comcast's presence in markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins means that a considerable fan base will benefit from the reinstated Bally Sports channels. Notably, for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans, the Bally Sports streaming app provides an in-market option to watch games. However, Braves and Twins supporters find themselves with fewer options to catch live broadcasts without Bally Sports’ streaming service.
While Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, the renewed access via Comcast comes at a critical juncture as the basketball and hockey seasons loom on the horizon. This strategic timing ensures that subscribers will have the opportunity to dive into the excitement as these major sports leagues gear up for their respective seasons.
Looking Ahead
The new carriage agreement not only remedies the immediate concerns of sports fans but also serves as a pivotal moment in Diamond Sports Group's restructuring efforts. Securing digital rights with the NBA and NHL remains a priority for Diamond, and this successful agreement with Comcast will likely serve as a positive indicator to other potential distributors and partners.
As sports seasons approach, fans are undoubtedly relieved to have access to their local team broadcasts reinstated. Meanwhile, Comcast and Diamond's ability to finalize this deal underscores the importance of their ongoing partnership and the value it brings to subscribers. As Preschlack noted, "once agreements with our team and league partners are complete, we intend to move expeditiously to present a plan of reorganization to the court,” signaling that while this is a major victory, the work continues.
The horizon appears brighter for both Diamond Sports Group and sports fans alike, as the intricate dance of negotiations, restructuring, and strategic partnerships promise an exciting season of broadcasts ahead. The countdown begins for the next pivotal moves in the complex world of sports media rights.