Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully reached a new carriage agreement, drawing to a close a months-long blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This development marks a significant step forward amidst Diamond Sports Group’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
Starting in early August, fans will once again be able to tune into their favorite local teams. This is particularly welcome news for Comcast’s significant customer base in markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, where the blackout had left many fans without access to local MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
Resolution Amidst Financial Challenges
The blackout began in May when Diamond Sports Group, owner of 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, pulled their channels off the air. The company has been navigating the tumultuous waters of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings for the past 16 months. Despite these challenges, Diamond Sports Group has remained focused on cementing key partnerships and negotiations essential to their reorganization strategy.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the importance of this new carriage deal with Comcast. "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," he stated.
Preschlack also highlighted the urgency of finalizing negotiations with other major leagues. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he said. This indicates a broader strategy to secure long-term stability for the network and its sports broadcasting rights.
Subscription Enhancements
For Xfinity customers, particularly those subscribed to the "Ultimate TV" package, the news is even more enticing. These subscribers will gain access to live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Furthermore, a special offer will be available, allowing subscribers to enjoy a free three-month trial period of the "Ultimate TV" package. Post-trial, the package is priced at an additional $20 per month, providing substantial value for die-hard sports fans.
In addition to traditional broadcast channels, the Bally Sports streaming app offers in-market viewing options for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. This provides a flexible viewing experience, ensuring that fans can catch their teams’ games even if they're on the go. However, Braves and Twins fans will need to rely on broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
Path to Stability
Diamond Sports Group's focus now turns to their ongoing negotiations with the NHL and NBA, as they aim to solidify these crucial partnerships before the basketball and hockey seasons commence. "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 noted, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
The company currently holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, a testament to its significant role in regional sports broadcasting. With the new carriage agreement with Comcast, Diamond Sports Group is well-positioned to retain its foothold in the industry, navigating towards a stabilized future.
As the negotiations with team and league partners reach their final stages, the sports broadcasting landscape could see further positive shifts, benefiting both the networks and the countless fans who rely on them for game-day thrills. The return of Bally Sports channels is a reassuring step for the sports community, signaling a gradual return to normalcy and better days ahead for Diamond Sports Group.