Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully negotiated a new carriage deal, ending a prolonged blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast subscribers. The agreement, which comes after a months-long impasse, will allow fans to watch their favorite local teams starting from the beginning of August.
Diamond Sports Group, the owner of 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, has been undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings for the past 16 months. The financial restructuring led to the channels being pulled off the air at the start of May. This new carriage agreement with Comcast, the third largest distributor for Diamond Sports Group, marks a significant step forward in their efforts. As David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, noted, "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."
Resumption of Local Sports Broadcasts
The deal is particularly beneficial for fans eager to watch live Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games. Xfinity customers who subscribe to the "Ultimate TV" package will now have access to these local sports broadcasts. This package, available for an additional $20 per month after a complimentary three-month trial, is a strong draw for sports enthusiasts in key markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami.
The return of Bally Sports channels means that fans can explore multiple viewing options. The Bally Sports streaming app, for instance, is available for in-market viewing for teams like the Miami Marlins, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Kansas City Royals, and the Detroit Tigers. However, fans of the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins will still need to rely on broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
Timely Resolution Ahead of Crucial Seasons
The timing of this agreement is crucial as the basketball and hockey seasons approach. Preschlack emphasized the urgency in finalizing deals with other major sports leagues, saying, "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA."
Diamond Sports Group is rapidly working to complete these negotiations, aiming to stabilize their operations and present a comprehensive plan of reorganization to the court. Preschlack conveyed the company's commitment to expedience, stating, "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."
Currently, Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, highlighting their significant role in regional sports broadcasting. The resolution with Comcast not only restores crucial viewership for fans but also underscores the corporation's strategic efforts to emerge from financial distress more robustly.
Next Steps for Comcast Customers
Comcast's importance in delivering sports content to a vast audience cannot be understated. Markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami benefit immensely from this new deal. Xfinity customers have until August 30 to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package to capitalize on the full array of sports broadcasts available.
As summer progresses, fans can look forward to uninterrupted coverage of their local teams. Whether through the Bally Sports streaming app or cable broadcast, the renewed access sets the stage for an exciting latter half of the year in regional sports. Meanwhile, Diamond Sports Group continues to navigate its reorganization, poised to restore and possibly enhance its role in sports broadcasting.