Comcast and Bally Sports are rekindling their partnership, a move that will bring regional sports networks back to viewers just in time for the beginning of August. This restoration stems from a new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports channels. It's a significant win for Diamond amid its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now sixteen months in.
A Critical Step Forward
This new deal allows subscribers of Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package to regain access to live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. For those considering upgrading to this premium tier by August 30, Comcast is offering a tempting proposition: a three-month trial period at no charge, followed by a $20 monthly fee.
“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 David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports.
Restoring Access for Fans
The return of Bally Sports channels marks a sigh of relief for many sports fans. The channels were pulled in early May due to extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond, which even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing initially scheduled for July 29 and 30. Now, with the channels back, fans can look forward to the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons with renewed excitement.
Comcast is particularly significant in markets with prominent MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Bally Sports’ streaming app provides an in-market option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans, though Braves and Twins fans face fewer options for live broadcasts due to the absence of this app.
Focus on Securing Digital Rights
With the carriage agreement now in place, Diamond Sports is focusing on finalizing new digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL. Preschlack emphasized the urgency of these negotiations, stating, “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.”
Strategic Implications
Diamond Sports holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, providing a substantial footprint in the sports broadcasting landscape. The renewed access to Bally Sports channels through Comcast means that viewers will not miss out on pivotal moments of the basketball and hockey seasons, which are just around the corner.
As the sports broadcast industry continues to evolve, deals like this highlight the importance of strategic partnerships and timely negotiations, ensuring that fans remain connected to their favorite local teams. The collaboration between Comcast and Diamond Sports is emblematic of the intricate dance between content providers and distributors, one where the ultimate beneficiary remains the avid sports fan eager to catch every game.
With the immediate future secured for Bally Sports through this pivotal agreement, all eyes will now turn to Diamond’s next moves, particularly its negotiations with the NBA and NHL. For now, sports enthusiasts can rejoice in the return of their beloved channels, ready for another season of unforgettable sports action.