After a prolonged hiatus, the Bally Sports channels are set to make their much-anticipated return to Comcast viewers, thanks to a new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This crucial deal, reached just in time for the beginning of August, ensures that subscribers to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package will once again have access to live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
New Deal Details
The agreement not only reinstates the Bally Sports channels but also comes with a generous offer for sports enthusiasts. Those willing to upgrade to the premium "Ultimate TV" package by August 30 will receive a three-month trial period free of charge. After this period, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee. This promotion aims to ease the transition for viewers eager to follow their favorite local teams.
The channels were initially pulled in early May due to protracted negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The talks, which also led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing initially scheduled for late July, have been a pivotal part of Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now in its sixteenth month.
Strategic Victory for Diamond Sports
“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 development is particularly significant for Diamond Sports as it looks to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL.
Restoring access to the Bally Sports channels is timely, arriving just before the start of the basketball and hockey seasons. Diamond Sports is now focused on finalizing agreements with these leagues to ensure that fans can enjoy uninterrupted coverage of their favorite teams.
Implications for MLB Team Markets
Comcast has a strong presence in several major markets that host MLB teams, such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. The return of Bally Sports channels is particularly beneficial to fans in these areas, providing them with trustworthy local sports coverage.
Interestingly, Bally Sports’ streaming app offers in-market viewing options for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. Conversely, Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices for live broadcasts due to the absence of a dedicated Bally Sports streaming app. Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, enhancing the importance of this distribution agreement.
Future Plans and Restructuring Efforts
Preschlack emphasized the broader implications of the new agreement, noting, “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. Once agreements with our team and league partners are complete, we intend to move expeditiously to present a plan of reorganization to the court.”
This renewed focus on sealing deals with the NBA and NHL underscores Diamond Sports’ commitment to enhancing its sports broadcasting portfolio. The ongoing restructuring aims not only to stabilize the company but also to broaden its digital and linear rights landscape.
In conclusion, the new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group marks a significant milestone in the realm of sports broadcasting. As Diamond Sports navigates its Chapter 11 restructuring, this strategic partnership stands as a testament to its resilience and dedication to delivering quality sports coverage to fans. With the return of Bally Sports channels, viewers can look forward to an exciting array of local sports action in the coming months.