New Carriage Agreement Returns Bally Sports to Comcast Viewers
Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a significant new carriage arrangement, ensuring that regional sports networks will be available to viewers just in time for the start of August. This crucial deal was forged between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, bringing the Bally Sports channels back to fans who have missed local broadcasts since early May.
Subscribers to Xfinity's "Ultimate TV," Comcast's premium cable package, are the primary beneficiaries of this agreement. This tier allows access to live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. In a move to sweeten the deal, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period at no charge for those who upgrade to this package by August 30, followed by a $20 monthly fee.
The impasse that led to the channels being pulled in May stemmed from extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports. These discussions also resulted in the postponement of a confirmation hearing that was initially slated for July 29 and 30. The newly finalized agreement is a pivotal development in Diamond’s lengthy Chapter 11 restructuring, which has now been ongoing for sixteen months.
Diamond CEO David Preschlack expressed his enthusiasm regarding the breakthrough. “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 in a statement.
The restoration of Bally Sports channels couldn’t have come at a better time, as it aligns with the buildup to the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. Diamond Sports holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, and its collaboration with Comcast allows markets home to teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins to enjoy local sports broadcasts once more.
For Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans, Bally Sports’ streaming app provides an additional in-market option to catch their favorite teams in action. However, Braves and Twins fans face more limited viewing choices due to the absence of a streaming app for Bally Sports.
Looking ahead, Diamond Sports Group aims to secure 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,” Preschlack further elaborated.
This agreement with Comcast represents a significant milestone in Diamond’s efforts to emerge from Chapter 11 restructuring. The momentum generated by this deal might provide the necessary leverage for Diamond Sports to finalize their negotiations with the NBA and NHL, which remain critical as the new seasons quickly draw near.
The renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast underscores a much-needed win for Diamond amidst ongoing restructuring efforts. Not only does it re-establish a connection with fans, but it also sets the stage for a more optimistic future where sports enthusiasts can look forward to uninterrupted broadcasts of their beloved local teams.
In summary, this new carriage contract between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group not only fills the void left by months of negotiation but also revitalizes the viewing experience for countless sports fans. The anticipation for MLB, NBA, and NHL games can now be matched with the excitement of accessible local broadcasts, fostering a robust engagement with the sports community once again.