The sports broadcasting landscape is set for a significant shift as Comcast and Bally Sports have struck a new carriage agreement, bringing Bally Sports’ regional networks back to Comcast viewers just in time for the start of August.
Restoration of Bally Sports Channels
The restoration of these channels is a result of a new carriage deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports. This agreement, highly anticipated by sports enthusiasts, allows subscribers of Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV" package – Comcast’s most premium cable package – to enjoy live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
In a bid to attract more viewers, Comcast is offering a compelling incentive. Customers who upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30 will receive a three-month trial period free of charge. After this trial period, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee.
A Protracted Negotiation Process
The journey to this agreement wasn't straightforward. Bally Sports channels had been removed from Comcast in early May due to prolonged negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. These negotiations led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing, initially scheduled for July 29 and 30, showcasing the complex nature of media distribution rights.
This agreement marks a significant victory for Diamond Sports as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which has now entered its sixteenth month. Diamond's efforts to secure this deal are a clear signal of their commitment to stabilizing their broadcasting foothold.
Securing Digital Rights
Diamond Sports Group aims to solidify new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL, especially important with the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. “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.
“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.
Market Impact
Comcast is a prominent player in multiple markets that are home to Major League Baseball (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, the Bally Sports streaming app provides an in-market option to watch games. However, viewing options for Braves and Twins fans remain limited due to the absence of Bally Sports’ streaming app in these areas.
Future Endeavors
Diamond Sports Group, holding linear rights to twelve MLB teams, is setting its sights on finalizing deals with both the NBA and NHL. This renewed access comes just in time to captivate audiences ahead of the basketball and hockey seasons, providing a much-needed boost to fans eager for comprehensive coverage of their favorite sports.
This strategic pivot towards securing NBA and NHL rights is poised to enhance Diamond's market position and offer sports fans more reliable access to live broadcasts of local teams through Xfinity.
The culmination of this agreement highlights a key turning point for sports broadcasting, especially for regional sports networks looking to stay competitive and accessible in an ever-evolving digital landscape.