Comcast and Bally Sports Reach New Carriage Agreement
Return of Bally Sports Channels Just in Time for August
For sports fans, the dog days of summer have just gotten a lot brighter. Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement, bringing an end to the months-long blackout that left many without access to their favorite regional sports networks. This deal comes just in time for fans seeking to catch the live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games as the new seasons approach.
The eagerly-awaited return of Bally Sports channels to Comcast's lineup follows a new agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. Under the new terms, viewers can once again enjoy live broadcasts of their local teams, provided they are subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," the most premium cable package offered by Xfinity. For those considering an upgrade, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period at no extra cost before transitioning to a $20 monthly fee.
A Resolution After Months of Negotiation
The channels were initially pulled in early May, resulting in a tense period of extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. The prolonged discussions even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing originally set for late July. Yet, the resolution of these negotiations marks a significant milestone in Diamond's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring process, which has spanned sixteen months.
“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 Diamond CEO David Preschlack in a statement.
Comcast's reach is expansive, particularly in markets that are home to MLB teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. The renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast ensures that die-hard fans can keep up with their teams, just as basketball and hockey seasons are set to commence.
Future Plans and Digital Engagement
Diamond Sports has more on its agenda than just restoring access to its channels. The company is keen on securing new digital-rights agreements with both 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. 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.
Bally Sports’ streaming app offers some flexibility for in-market viewers. Fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers can use the app to watch games live. However, Braves and Twins supporters face limited options due to the absence of the Bally Sports streaming app for their teams. Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, making it a vital player in regional sports broadcasting.
A Pivotal Victory for Diamond Sports
The successful negotiation with Comcast is a pivotal victory for Diamond, particularly in the context of its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring. Not only does it restore essential viewing options for sports enthusiasts, but it also propels Diamond forward in its broader strategic goals. As the clock ticks down to the start of basketball and hockey seasons, securing these digital-rights agreements becomes increasingly crucial.
Comcast's geographical footprint spans several key markets, making this deal particularly influential. For instance, markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami represent a significant base of viewership for multiple MLB teams. These regions will benefit immensely from the restored service, ensuring that fans remain engaged with their local sports scenes.
In summary, the new agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group not only reinstates much-needed access to Bally Sports channels but also sets the stage for future negotiations and digital-rights agreements. As fans gear up for the upcoming seasons, both companies have taken a major step forward, ensuring that sports enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the action.