Comcast and Bally Sports Strike Critical Carriage Agreement
In a significant development for sports enthusiasts, Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement, marking the return of regional sports networks just in time for the onset of August. This agreement comes after protracted negotiations and a temporary hiatus that began in early May.
Through this new deal with Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports, Comcast subscribers can once again enjoy live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games, provided they are subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package. This is Comcast’s most premium cable package, ensuring the highest level of sports coverage for dedicated fans.
For those who upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" tier by August 30, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge. After this trial, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee, a proposition likely to entice many sports fans considering the value of uninterrupted, high-quality sports broadcasting.
The negotiation process between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group was not without its challenges. The temporary removal of Bally Sports channels from Comcast’s offerings caused a significant uproar among subscribers who rely on the network for their sports content. However, the breakthrough arrived as a landmark victory in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which has now been underway for sixteen months.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “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.”
The timing of this agreement couldn’t be more critical. The upcoming basketball and hockey seasons are fast approaching, and access to Bally Sports channels allows fans to stay connected with their favorite teams without disruption. Diamond Sports Group is keenly aware of the ticking clock and is pivoting its focus towards securing new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL to ensure comprehensive coverage for fans.
Preschlack added, “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.”
Comcast’s extensive market reach spans numerous cities with MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Bally Sports further extends its offerings through its streaming app, which provides in-market options for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. However, fans of the Braves and Twins currently encounter more limited options for live broadcasts due to the lack of a dedicated Bally Sports streaming app for their teams.
Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to twelve Major League Baseball teams, ensuring extensive coverage and a wide viewer base. The renewed access through Comcast is a significant step in broadening their viewership and reconnecting with fans who have missed out during the negotiation period.
As Diamond Sports Group continues its restructuring process, this agreement with Comcast is pivotal in stabilizing its operations and paving the way for future negotiations. The sports broadcasting landscape is evolving rapidly, and securing carriage agreements with major distributors like Comcast is crucial for the sustained success of regional sports networks.
Fans can look forward to a seamless return to their favorite sports content, backed by the promise of strategic moves and further negotiations by Diamond Sports Group to uphold and expand their service offerings. The collaboration between Comcast and Bally Sports sets a promising precedent for the future of sports broadcasting, ensuring that fans remain at the forefront of these critical developments.