Comcast and Diamond Sports Group reach pivotal carriage agreement for Bally Sports
Comcast subscribers will soon have renewed access to Bally Sports channels, thanks to a crucial new carriage agreement struck between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This deal heralds a significant victory for sports fans just in time for the beginning of August, allowing them to catch live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. This development is especially timely as the basketball and hockey seasons are fast approaching.
The road to this agreement was not without its challenges. Bally Sports channels were pulled from Comcast in early May due to protracted negotiations between the two parties. The stalemate resulted in a confirmation hearing originally set for July 29 and 30 being postponed.
Offering Premium Sports Access to Ultimate TV Subscribers
The new agreement ensures that Comcast's most premium cable package, Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," will include access to Bally Sports channels. To sweeten the deal, Comcast is offering a three-month trial period free of charge for subscribers who upgrade to this tier by August 30. After this period, the service will transition to a $20 monthly fee.
Comcast's reach in markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins means that subscribers in these regions can now follow their local teams closely. Bally Sports' streaming app further enhances this offer by providing in-market options for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. Unfortunately, Braves and Twins fans still have limited choices due to the absence of Bally Sports' streaming app for these teams.
Diamond Sports Group's Strategic Milestone
This agreement is a significant milestone in Diamond Sports Group's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, a process that has already stretched into its sixteenth month. Diamond CEO David Preschlack emphasized the importance of this deal, stating, “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.”
Preschlack also highlighted the strategic focus moving forward, noting, “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.”
Securing Digital Rights and Future Viewership
Looking ahead, Diamond Sports Group aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. This will ensure that fans have seamless access to live broadcasts of their favorite teams, bolstering the company's market presence and enhancing viewer satisfaction.
Comcast's strategic decision to restore Bally Sports channels underlines its commitment to delivering premium sports content to its subscribers. In doing so, it leverages its extensive market presence, particularly in regions home to prominent MLB teams.
By renewing access to Bally Sports, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group not only address the immediate needs of sports fans but also pave the way for more robust offerings in the future. As basketball and hockey seasons approach, the focus will now shift to securing and finalizing agreements with team and league partners.
Ultimately, this agreement signifies a pivotal moment for both Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, reinforcing their positions in the competitive sports broadcasting landscape.