Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have reached a crucial new carriage agreement, ending a protracted blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This development comes as a significant relief for fans who have been unable to access their favorite local sports teams over the past few months. The new deal ensures that Comcast viewers can resume watching Bally Sports channels starting at the beginning of August.
Resuming Access for Fans
The resolution brings a sense of normalcy back to fans, particularly those in key markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, where Comcast has a dominant presence. Diamond Sports Group, which operates 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, had pulled its channels off the air at the start of May, causing widespread frustration among sports enthusiasts.
Xfinity customers with the "Ultimate TV" package will now have the opportunity to watch live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. For fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, the Bally Sports streaming app provides a convenient in-market viewing option, whereas Braves and Twins fans will need to rely on the broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
Economic and Strategic Context
This agreement comes amid Diamond Sports Group's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11, which the company has been navigating for the past 16 months. David Preschlack, the CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized, "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."
Future Plans and Deadlines
Comcast subscribers keen to access these local broadcasts have until August 30 to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package. This package comes with a free three-month trial period, after which it will cost an additional $20 per month. Ensuring access to these broadcasts during the trial period might be a compelling incentive for sports fans.
Focus on NHL and NBA Agreements
As part of its restructuring strategy, Diamond Sports Group is also concentrating on finalizing agreements with the NHL and resolving ongoing negotiations with the NBA. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," Preschlack stated. This focus is particularly pressing with the basketball and hockey seasons fast approaching.
Preschlack noted, "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.”
Holding onto Rights
Currently, Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, a key asset that underscores the importance of stabilizing their broadcasting capabilities. The carriage deal with Comcast reassures these rights and ensures that fans will not miss out on their favorite local team’s broadcasts.
As Diamond Sports Group works to finalize its agreements and streamline its reorganization plan, fans can look forward to uninterrupted access to their local sports coverage, a welcome return to normalcy in the sports viewing landscape.