Comcast and Bally Sports have struck a new carriage agreement that will return the regional sports networks to viewers just in time for the beginning of August. The restoration of Bally Sports channels was achieved through a new carriage deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This agreement allows enthusiasts to follow live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games if they are subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," Xfinity’s most premium cable package. For those willing to upgrade to this tier by August 30, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge before the service transitions to 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 Diamond CEO David Preschlack in a statement. “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.
A Critical Deal Just in Time
The channels were pulled in early May as a result of protracted negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. The negotiations resulted in a confirmation hearing initially scheduled for July 29 and 30 being postponed. The agreement marks a pivotal victory in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which is now sixteen months in. Diamond Sports aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL.
Comcast is prevalent in markets that are home to MLB teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Bally Sports’ streaming app offers an in-market option to watch games for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices for catching live broadcasts due to the absence of Bally Sports’ streaming app. Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams. Renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast arrives just in time for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. Diamond plans to pivot towards sealing deals with NBA and NHL rights.
What This Means for Viewers
The new agreement offers a major boost for Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" subscribers, who will now regain access to their favorite local sports broadcasts. This includes a broad array of live MLB, NBA, and NHL games, a crucial feature for any serious sports fan. Those who subscribe to Xfinity’s top-tier package before August 30 will also benefit from a three-month free trial, which then rolls into a $20 monthly fee thereafter.
For Diamond Sports Group, the deal brings much-needed stability amidst its Chapter 11 restructuring. As noted by Diamond CEO David Preschlack, this agreement with Comcast represents a significant milestone. Their focus now turns to cementing agreements with the NHL and resolving ongoing negotiations with the NBA, essential tasks with the basketball and hockey seasons about to commence.
Market Implications
The implications of this agreement ripple wide in the market. Comcast's substantial footprint in key MLB markets, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins, means a broader audience for these teams' broadcasts. Moreover, the in-market streaming options provided by Bally Sports for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans will be a welcome addition.
However, fans of the Braves and Twins might find themselves at a disadvantage due to the lack of Bally Sports' streaming app for their teams. With Diamond holding linear rights to twelve MLB teams, the stakes are high, and the success of this new carriage agreement will be closely monitored by industry analysts and fans alike.
While the agreement brings immediate benefits, it also sets the stage for Diamond to continue its pursuit of digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL. This move will potentially broaden their reach and ensure a more diversified viewer base, essential for their long-term strategy and restructuring efforts.
The new carriage agreement is more than just a win for the companies involved; it’s a message to sports fans that despite the complexities of business negotiations, their access to the games they love remains a top priority. For now, Comcast subscribers can look forward to a richer sports viewing experience just as their favorite seasons kick off.