Comcast and Bally Sports Strike New Deal, Bringing Regional Sports Networks Back to Fans
In a significant development for sports enthusiasts, Comcast and Bally Sports have secured a new carriage agreement that will see the return of regional sports networks just in time for the beginning of August. This pivotal deal was brokered between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports channels, marking a key moment in Diamond's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring process.
Restoring Local Sports Access
The primary beneficiaries of this new agreement are the fans who can once again catch live, local broadcasts of their favorite MLB, NBA, and NHL teams, provided they are subscribed to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package. For those not yet subscribed, Comcast is offering an enticing three-month trial period free of charge until August 30, after which the service continues for a $20 monthly fee. This strategy is expected to attract a considerable number of sports fans back into the fold.
The regional sports networks had been absent from the lineup since early May, following lengthy negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. These negotiations led to a scheduled confirmation hearing initially set for late July being postponed, but ultimately resulted in this breakthrough agreement.
A Win for Diamond Sports Group
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, expressed elation at the new deal. “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,” he stated. The deal comes at a crucial time as Diamond continues its efforts to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL.
Comcast's vast market reach significantly amplifies the impact of this agreement, specifically in regions home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. For fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, Bally Sports' streaming app provides an in-market option to watch games, whereas Braves and Twins fans find themselves with fewer options for catching live broadcasts.
The Road Ahead: NBA and NHL Deals
With regional access to Bally Sports channels reinstated via Comcast, the timing aligns perfectly for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. This development is a notable victory for Diamond Sports Group as it navigates its Chapter 11 restructuring, now sixteen months in progress. The company aims to pivot swiftly to finalize agreements with its league and team partners in the NBA and NHL.
Preschlack highlighted the urgency of these negotiations, especially with the fast-approaching basketball and hockey seasons. “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,” he added.
Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, emphasizing the importance of these negotiations for both their business model and the viewing pleasure of sports fans. The renewed access to Bally Sports channels thus stands as a cornerstone for Diamond's strategy moving forward.
This agreement not only revives local sports viewing for many fans but also positions Diamond closer to emerging from its financial restructuring phase stronger and more robust. As the company edges closer to securing crucial digital rights deals, the return of Bally Sports to Comcast platforms represents a decisive win for all parties involved, particularly the avid sports fans eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite teams' broadcasts.
Ultimately, the agreement breathes new life into regional sports coverage, asserting the importance of accessible local game broadcasts in an era where sports media rights are increasingly complex and competitive. The partnership between Comcast and Bally Sports underscores a shared commitment to providing fans with the best possible access to live sports, reinforcing the value of regional sports networks in the broader media landscape.