In a development sure to delight fans across several markets, Comcast and Bally Sports have achieved a breakthrough agreement that will return the regional sports networks to viewers. This timely deal coincides perfectly with the start of August, marking an end to the channels' absence since early May.
New Carriage Deal Brings Bally Sports Back
The reintroduction of Bally Sports channels is the result of a new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, which owns the Bally Sports Regional Networks. This partnership unlocks the doors for countless sports enthusiasts who subscribe to Xfinity's "Ultimate TV," the highest-tier cable package offered by Comcast.
Subscribers eager to catch live, local broadcasts of Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games will be able to do so under this premium package. Additionally, Comcast is offering an enticing promotion for those considering an upgrade to this tier: a three-month trial period at no cost before transitioning to a $20 monthly fee. The deadline to take advantage of this offer is August 30.
Long Negotiations and Delays
The restoration of Bally Sports channels has not come without its challenges. Prolonged negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group led to the channels being pulled earlier this year in May. These extended talks also caused a confirmation hearing, initially set for July 29 and 30, to be postponed. Despite the delays, the new agreement is being hailed as a pivotal victory for Diamond Sports Group, which has been undergoing Chapter 11 restructuring for the past sixteen months.
Strategic Milestone for Diamond Sports
Expressing satisfaction with the deal, Diamond CEO David Preschlack stated, “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.”
Preschlack further highlighted the company's priorities, saying, “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.”
Impact on MLB Markets and Options for Fans
Comcast’s market reach includes regions that host MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. For fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, the Bally Sports streaming app offers an in-market option to watch games. However, Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices available for live broadcasts due to the lack of a Bally Sports streaming app.
As it stands, Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights for twelve MLB teams, underscoring the importance of this new agreement in ensuring fans can watch their favorite local teams—especially with the onset of the basketball and hockey seasons drawing near.
Diamond Sports is strategically positioning itself to secure new digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL, aiming to bolster its offerings and ensure comprehensive sports coverage in its relevant markets. For sports enthusiasts and subscribers, the renewed access to Bally Sports through Comcast’s Xfinity Ultimate TV package promises an enriched viewing experience moving forward.