Comcast and Diamond Sports Group Reach New Carriage Deal, Ending Months-Long Blackout
Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully negotiated a new carriage agreement, signaling the end of a protracted blackout period for Bally Sports channels among Comcast customers. This resolution, effective at the beginning of August, allows fans to catch broadcasts of their favorite local teams once again.
Fans of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League who subscribe to Comcast's "Ultimate TV" package can look forward to watching live, local games uninterrupted. As a crucial player in regional markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, Comcast's re-engagement with Diamond Sports Group is set to enhance the viewing experience for a broad spectrum of sports enthusiasts.
During the preceding months, Diamond Sports Group had removed its channels from the airwaves starting in May, coinciding with the company's ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. For the better part of 16 months, the sports media entity has been working diligently to navigate its financial restructuring, amid the complexities of maintaining quality service for its extensive viewer base.
"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," stated David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, underlining the significance of this renewed partnership.
Diamond Sports Group oversees 15 regional sports networks that operate under the Bally Sports brand. Notably, fans in the markets of Miami (Marlins), Tampa Bay (Rays), Kansas City (Royals), and Detroit (Tigers) can utilize Bally Sports' streaming app for in-market viewing. Conversely, those eager to follow the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins will need to rely on broadcast channels for local game coverage.
Comcast’s "Ultimate TV" subscribers are presented with a lucrative incentive to engage with this reinvigorated sports content. Those who upgrade to this premium package by August 30 will enjoy a complimentary three-month trial, with a subsequent cost of an additional $20 per month. This promotion aims to bolster the subscriber base and provide seamless access to live sports events.
Preschlack emphasized the company's forward-looking strategy. "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."
Focus on Future Deals
Diamond Sports Group's current portfolio includes linear broadcasting rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, underscoring the company's influence within the professional sports broadcasting domain. Moving ahead, securing and solidifying agreements with the NHL and NBA remain pivotal agenda items. These negotiations will likely shape the company's operational roadmap and affect its court-presented reorganization plan.
As the seasons for basketball and hockey draw near, time indeed seems to be a critical factor. Efficiently finalizing deals with league and team partners is imperative for Diamond Sports Group, ensuring that its restructuring efforts align with the demands and expectations of sports fans and stakeholders alike.
David Preschlack's leadership during this transitional period is key as Diamond Sports Group aims to stabilize and enhance its service offerings amidst financial recovery efforts. Fans are undoubtedly eager for the return of consistent local game broadcasts, and the new agreement with Comcast represents a notable victory for all parties involved.