Comcast and Bally Sports Bring Regional Sports Networks Back to Viewers
In a significant development for sports enthusiasts, Comcast and Bally Sports have successfully negotiated a new carriage agreement, ensuring the return of regional sports networks just in time for the beginning of August. This agreement is a pivotal moment for both companies and comes after prolonged negotiations that had left many sports fans in the lurch.
The negotiations, conducted between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, concluded with an agreement beneficial to viewers, particularly those subscribed to Comcast's "Ultimate TV" package. This premium package now includes live, local broadcasts of Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games. Subscribers considering an upgrade to this tier have an enticing offer from Comcast: a three-month trial period free of charge, culminating in a $20 monthly fee post-trial, available until August 30.
The regional sports channels were initially pulled from Comcast in early May, a move that coincided with a drawn-out negotiation period between Comcast and Diamond. The discussions reached a critical point, prompting a confirmation hearing scheduled for late July to be postponed. However, the successful agreement marks a substantial victory for Diamond Sports Group as it navigates a challenging Chapter 11 restructuring, now in its sixteenth month.
“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. He emphasized the importance of restoring access to the broadcasts, which cater to a broad audience across multiple states.
With the distributor agreement solidified, Diamond Sports Group now sets its sights on finalizing new digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL. The timing is crucial, given the imminent basketball and hockey seasons. Preschlack noted, “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.”
The revival of Bally Sports channels is particularly impactful in markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins, where Comcast holds significant market presence. Notably, while fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers have the option to watch games via Bally Sports’ streaming app, enthusiasts following the Braves and Twins find their options more limited due to the absence of a streaming service for these teams.
Diamond Sports Group continues to hold linear rights to twelve MLB teams, making the settlements of these agreements essential for maintaining broad access for fans. Given the complex landscape of broadcasting rights and digital streaming options, these negotiations are critical for ensuring fans continue to have access to their favorite teams’ broadcasts.
As basketball and hockey seasons approach, the importance of these finalized agreements cannot be overstated. The renewed carriage agreement with Comcast arrives at an opportune moment, underscoring the collaborative efforts needed to provide seamless access to live sports broadcasts. This development is not just a win for Diamond Sports Group and Comcast but also, and perhaps most importantly, for the avid sports fans who rely on these services to follow their favorite teams.