The sports broadcasting landscape is about to get more exciting for fans as Comcast and Bally Sports have finalized a new carriage agreement, ensuring the return of regional sports networks just in time for the beginning of August. This new deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group brings an end to the months-long absence of Bally Sports channels caused by extended negotiations.
A Timely Return
For Comcast subscribers, the agreement means access to live local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games—provided they are subscribed to Xfinity's most premium cable package, "Ultimate TV." The timing of the deal is impeccable, with sports enthusiasts now able to follow their favorite teams just as basketball and hockey seasons approach.
Diamond Sports Group CEO David Preschlack expressed his enthusiasm over the 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 Preschlack.
Free Trial Offer
To sweeten the deal for potential subscribers, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge to those who upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" tier by August 30. After the trial, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee. This promotion aims to reel in fans eager to catch every play from their local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams.
Delayed Negotiations
The protracted negotiations, which started earlier in the year and led to the channels being pulled in early May, were due partly to Diamond Sports entering Chapter 11 restructuring. A confirmation hearing scheduled initially for late July was postponed, reflecting the complexities involved in the talks.
Despite the hurdles, the agreement marks a substantial win for Diamond Sports Group. “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,” added Preschlack.
Comcast Markets
Comcast’s extensive reach covers markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Fans of these teams, particularly those rooting for the Braves and Twins, have been eagerly awaiting more viewing options, as Bally Sports’ streaming app covers fewer teams in those regions.
The new agreement brings these channels back to Comcast subscribers at a crucial time. Diamond Sports Group holds the linear rights to twelve MLB teams, underscoring the significance of the deal for baseball fans as the sport heads into the final months of the season.
A Pivotal Moment
For Diamond Sports Group, the deal with Comcast is a critical part of their Chapter 11 restructuring, a process that has already spanned sixteen months. The success of these negotiations sets the stage for Diamond Sports to turn its focus to further securing new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast ensures that fans won’t miss the opening actions of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons.
The partnership between Comcast and Bally Sports reflects a broader trend in the sports media industry, where securing distribution rights and providing flexible viewing options are paramount in catering to the diverse preferences of modern sports audiences. This move re-establishes a vital connection between fans and their local teams, offering uninterrupted access to live game broadcasts where they matter most.
With the new carriage agreement in place, Comcast and Bally Sports are poised to deliver a thrilling sports viewing experience throughout the end of the summer and into the fall sports season, reconnecting fans with the excitement of live sports action.