Comcast and Bally Sports Clinch New Carriage Agreement
Sports enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have finalized a carriage agreement that brings Bally Sports regional networks back to viewers, just in time for the new sports season. This development will be particularly welcomed by fans looking forward to live broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
The agreement, which is pivotal for Diamond, marks a significant step in their ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring. "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. This deal is expected to re-establish Comcast's presence in markets that house prominent MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins.
For sports fans eager to experience the return of Bally Sports channels, there is a caveat. Access is confined to those subscribing to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," which is Comcast's premium cable package. To sweeten the deal, customers who upgrade by August 30 will enjoy a three-month trial period free of charge, after which a $20 monthly fee will apply.
The channels' absence, which started in early May due to extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond, has been a point of contention for many. The drawn-out negotiations even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing initially set for late July. Despite the lengthy process, the final agreement brings a sense of resolution and optimism for stakeholders involved. "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.
For fans of the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers, Bally Sports’ streaming app provides an in-market option to watch games. However, fans of the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins will face limited choices owing to the absence of a Bally Sports streaming app in those markets.
As Diamond Sports aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL, the recent deal with Comcast is a crucial part of their broader strategy. The company's linear rights extend to twelve MLB teams, ensuring a broad audience base remains engaged.
The renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast also aligns perfectly with the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. Fans can now look forward to catching their favorite local teams in action without missing a beat, a reality brought closer by the cooperation between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group.
While the new agreement presents a win-win situation for both Diamond Sports and Comcast, sports fans are undoubtedly the biggest beneficiaries. The return of regional sports networks offers a seamless viewing experience as the sports calendar heats up in the coming months.