In a significant development for sports fans, Comcast and Bally Sports have reached a new carriage agreement, signaling the return of regional sports networks just as the sports calendar intensifies. The announcement ensures that viewers, particularly those subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package, will once again have access to live broadcasts of Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games.
Renewed Access for Fans
This restoration comes as a relief for many subscribers who have missed out on local game broadcasts since early May due to an impasse between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports. The agreement was reached just in time, particularly for fans gearing up for the basketball and hockey seasons.
Subscribers interested in upgrading to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30 can benefit from a special promotion offered by Comcast. Users can enjoy a three-month trial period free of charge before transitioning to a $20 monthly fee. This offers fans a cost-effective way to reconnect with their favorite teams.
A Key Victory for Diamond Sports
From a corporate standpoint, this deal is a decisive win for Diamond Sports Group as it continues its Chapter 11 restructuring. Sixteen months into this process, the new carriage agreement represents a pivotal step in stabilizing its operations and expanding its reach. “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.
The agreement's impact is further highlighted by Diamond’s strategic locations, including markets with significant MLB presence such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Additionally, Bally Sports’ streaming app continues to provide an in-market option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. However, Braves and Twins fans face a narrower set of options due to the absence of a dedicated Bally Sports streaming app for their regions.
Strategic Moves for Digital Rights
While this new deal is a positive step, Diamond Sports Group is already looking ahead to future negotiations. The company aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL, adding another layer of depth to their sports coverage portfolio. "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.
Implications for Major League Teams
Comcast’s influence in the markets mentioned above underscores the importance of this deal. Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, making this agreement vital for fans and stakeholders alike. As Comcast services areas with die-hard sports followings, such as those supporting the Braves, Twins, Tigers, Royals, Rays, and Marlins, this deal reaffirms the commitment to delivering comprehensive sports coverage to a dedicated audience.
As the calendar inches closer to the start of basketball and hockey seasons, the renewed access to Bally Sports channels is nothing short of timely. Fans across multiple regions can look forward to following their local teams throughout the season, accompanied by the professional and engaging broadcasts that Bally Sports is known for.
With Diamond Sports group's commitment to securing new deals and refining their broadcast strategy, the future looks optimistic for sports enthusiasts relying on comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality sports coverage.