Comcast and Bally Sports Strike New Deal: Fans Rejoice
In a development that will undoubtedly excite sports fans, Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement. This timely arrangement ensures the return of regional sports networks to viewers just in time for August, following a prolonged hiatus.
The channels had been removed in early May due to extended and challenging negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The resolution marks a significant milestone in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which has been unfolding over sixteen months. This new agreement allows fans to once again follow live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games, provided they subscribe to Xfinity's "Ultimate TV," the most premium cable package offered by Comcast.
To sweeten the deal, Comcast is offering a three-month free trial for those who upgrade to the Ultimate TV tier by August 30. After the trial period, the service transitions to a $20 monthly fee. This offer not only provides relief to avid sports fans but also stands as a testament to Comcast's commitment to customer satisfaction during these economically challenging times.
Critical Step for Diamond Sports Group
Diamond CEO David Preschlack expressed his satisfaction with the new 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 negotiation process, which had been scheduled for a confirmation hearing on July 29 and 30 but was postponed, underscores the complexities involved in securing such deals. With this new development, Diamond Sports is now pivotally positioned to focus on finalizing agreements with both the NBA and NHL in the near future.
“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 added.
Market Impact and Access
The return of Bally Sports channels through Comcast is particularly significant in markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. For Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans, Bally Sports' streaming app continues to offer an in-market option to watch games. Unfortunately, Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices, given the absence of a Bally Sports streaming app for their teams.
Diamond Sports holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, highlighting the breadth of their influence and the importance of this new carriage agreement with Comcast. The renewed access for Comcast subscribers comes at a crucial time, aligning perfectly with the start of the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. As Diamond Sports continues to navigate its restructuring process, this deal represents a pivotal victory and a beacon of hope for uninterrupted access to local sports broadcasts.
Now, fans and subscribers alike will be keenly watching as Diamond Sports Group sets its sights on securing new digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL. The success of these negotiations will further solidify the company's position and ensure a seamless viewing experience for sports enthusiasts across various markets.
In a landscape where access to live sports can be a complex and often frustrating endeavor, the Comcast and Bally Sports resolution is a win for all stakeholders involved—from the corporations negotiating billion-dollar deals to the fans who simply want to enjoy their local teams. The sports world will be keeping a close eye on Diamond Sports as it continues to redefine its strategy and stabilize its operations.