Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have finalized a pivotal carriage deal, ending a long-standing blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast subscribers. This development comes as a relief to fans who had been missing out on local sports broadcasts for months. The channels will be restored at the beginning of August, marking a fresh chapter for Diamond Sports Group, which has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months.
Under the new agreement, Xfinity customers subscribed to the "Ultimate TV" package will once again have access to live, local Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games. This move allows fans to reconnect with their favorite local teams, just in time for the culmination of the baseball season and the start of basketball and hockey seasons.
Restoration of Local Sports Broadcasts
The saga began when Diamond Sports Group pulled Bally Sports channels off the air at the start of May, leading to significant dissatisfaction among Comcast customers. Diamond Sports Group, which owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, has a substantial audience that includes markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami. For David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, the new deal is a milestone in their restructuring efforts.
"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 said.
Special Offers for Xfinity Customers
Comcast is now providing its customers with an incentivized offer to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package. Subscribers have until August 30 to make the switch, which includes a free three-month trial period. After the trial, the package costs an additional $20 per month. This package will enable fans to watch a wide range of local sports, including broadcasts of local MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
In addition to Comcast's offerings, Bally Sports is making it easier for fans to tune in through their streaming app, particularly for in-market viewing options. However, fans of the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins should note that they will need to rely on traditional broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
Focus on Future Agreements
While the resolution with Comcast is a significant achievement, Diamond Sports Group is not resting on its laurels. The company is working diligently to finalize agreements with the NHL and conclude ongoing negotiations with the NBA. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," said Preschlack.
Given the imminent basketball and hockey seasons, time is of the essence. Preschlack emphasized the urgency of these negotiations: "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."
Outlook for Diamond Sports Group
As Diamond Sports Group aims to emerge from bankruptcy, the company currently holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams. The conclusion of discussions with the NBA and NHL, combined with the court's approval of a reorganization plan, will be decisive for the company's future framework and service delivery.
In the meantime, fans and subscribers can look forward to the resumption of Bally Sports channels on Comcast services, restoring a cherished staple of local sports broadcasting. This deal not only reinstates beloved local sports programming but also symbolizes a strategic step forward in the broader landscape of sports media and corporate restructuring.