Comcast and Bally Sports have inked a pivotal new carriage agreement, bringing much-anticipated relief to sports fans just in time for the start of August. This development means the return of regional Bally Sports networks to Comcast subscribers, a move that holds significant implications for fans seeking to catch their favorite MLB, NBA, and NHL teams' live, local broadcasts.
The agreement, struck between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, marks a critical milestone in Diamond's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring process, which has now stretched into its sixteenth month. With this new deal, fans who subscribe to Xfinity's "Ultimate TV" package, Comcast's most premium cable tier, will regain access to Bally Sports channels. To sweeten the pot, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge to new subscribers who upgrade to this package by August 30. After the trial period, the service will cost $20 per month.
Negotiation and Impact
This recent agreement follows a prolonged negotiation period between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The channels were initially removed from Comcast's offerings in early May, causing frustration for many sports enthusiasts. The drawn-out negotiations even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing originally slated for July 29 and 30.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, expressed optimism about the new arrangement. “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.
Reaching Wider Markets
Comcast's large footprint includes markets home to several MLB teams, such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. This agreement is particularly timely, bringing Bally Sports back to viewers ahead of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. These markets are set to greatly benefit from renewed access to Bally Sports channels, allowing fans to stay connected to their local sports teams.
Bally Sports' streaming app continues to offer in-market viewing options for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. However, enthusiasts of the Braves and Twins find themselves with fewer choices, given the absence of a dedicated Bally Sports streaming app for their teams. Overall, Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, underscoring the broader reach of this renewed partnership.
Future Plans and Focus
Now that the carriage agreement with Comcast is secured, Diamond Sports Group is turning its attention to solidifying new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Preschlack underscored the urgency of these negotiations, with the basketball and hockey seasons quickly approaching. “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,” he added.
In conclusion, the new agreement between Comcast and Bally Sports is a significant win for sports fans and signals critical progress in Diamond Sports Group's restructuring efforts. As both companies look forward to the upcoming sports seasons, this partnership reinstates a crucial avenue for fan engagement and content delivery. Diamond’s next steps will be closely watched as they aim to secure comprehensive agreements with major sports leagues, ensuring that fans continue to enjoy live, local broadcasts of their favorite teams.