Comcast and Bally Sports Secure New Carriage Agreement Just in Time for Fall Sports
In a significant development for sports enthusiasts, Comcast and Bally Sports have finalized a new carriage agreement, ensuring the return of regional sports networks to viewers just in time for the onset of August. This pivotal agreement, struck between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, allows fans to once again enjoy live broadcasts of their favorite MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
Details of the New Agreement
The restoration of Bally Sports channels through Comcast will be available to subscribers of Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," the highest tier of the cable service. To sweeten the deal, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge for those who upgrade to this premium package by August 30. After the trial period, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee.
This agreement comes after Bally Sports channels were pulled in early May due to extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. Initially, a confirmation hearing had been set for July 29 and 30, but this was postponed as the two parties worked towards a resolution. The successful culmination of these negotiations marks a critical milestone in Diamond's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now in its sixteenth month.
Diamond Sports’ Plans Moving Forward
“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. He added, “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.”
Diamond Sports is keen on securing new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL to enhance their offerings further. Given the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons, the timing of these deals is crucial for ensuring a seamless viewing experience for fans.
Impact on Different Markets
Comcast's extensive market presence benefits MLB fans considerably. Baseball enthusiasts supporting teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins will particularly rejoice. Bally Sports’ streaming app offers an in-market option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans to stream their games live. Unfortunately, Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices for catching live broadcasts due to the absence of Bally Sports’ streaming app in their regions.
Looking Ahead to Fall Sports
This renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast couldn't have come at a better time, aligning perfectly with the commencement of the basketball and hockey seasons. Diamond's focus on securing rights with NBA and NHL partners indicates a strategic push towards strengthening their position in the sports broadcasting sphere.
As Diamond navigates its Chapter 11 restructuring, the agreement with Comcast represents both a substantial victory and a stepping stone towards broader distribution and digital-rights agreements. Fans can look forward to uninterrupted access to their local sports broadcasts, a critical component of the sports viewing experience.
Sports media outlets and enthusiasts alike will be keeping a close watch on Diamond Sports' next moves, particularly in sealing the NBA and NHL deals. The pace and outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the landscape of sports broadcasting in the coming seasons.