Comcast and Bally Sports have rekindled their partnership through a new carriage agreement, much to the delight of sports enthusiasts. The regional sports networks will return in time for the beginning of August, just before the pivotal basketball and hockey seasons.
New Agreement in Time for Sports Seasons
The restoration of Bally Sports channels on Comcast was sealed through a deal with Diamond Sports Group, allowing fans to follow live, local broadcasts of Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) games. Subscribers to Comcast’s "Ultimate TV," its top-tier package, stand to benefit the most, as they will have access to these sought-after channels.
Comcast is sweetening the deal for new subscribers by offering a three-month trial period free of charge, provided they upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30. Following the trial, the premium service will transition to a monthly fee of $20. This move seems poised to attract hesitant subscribers who might have been on the fence about committing to a higher-tier package.
Negotiations and Restructuring
The channels had been pulled earlier in May due to extended negotiations between Comcast and Diamond. The protracted talks even led to the postponement of a confirmation hearing initially set for July 29 and 30. The new carriage agreement marks a notable victory in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, a process that has now stretched over sixteen months.
David Preschlack, Diamond Sports Group CEO, expressed optimism about the new development, 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.”
Future Digital Rights Agreements
With the distribution certainty provided by the Comcast deal, Diamond is now turning its attention to securing new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Preschlack added, “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."
Impact on MLB Team Markets
Comcast is a significant player in markets home to MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Through the renewed carriage agreement, fans in these regions will once again enjoy access to their local teams' broadcasts via Bally Sports channels.
The Bally Sports streaming app provides an in-market viewing option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. However, Braves and Twins fans find themselves with fewer live broadcast options due to the absence of the streaming app catering to these teams. Despite this, Diamond holds linear rights to twelve MLB teams, ensuring a broad range of coverage regardless of streaming constraints.
Broadcasters Align with Competitive Seasons
The timing of renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast is particularly fortuitous, coinciding with the imminent basketball and hockey seasons. With these sports approaching, the agreement couldn’t have come at a more critical juncture for devoted fans and competitive broadcasters alike.
Moving forward, Diamond’s determination to close deals with the NBA and NHL rights reflects a strategic alignment with the evolving digital landscape of sports broadcasting. By securing these digital rights, Diamond aims to expand access and ensure their broadcasts remain relevant and accessible to a broader audience.
In summary, the partnership between Comcast and Bally Sports signifies more than just a return of favorite sports channels; it represents a concerted effort to adapt and thrive within the changing paradigms of sports media. As Diamond continues to finalize its restructuring strategy, sports fans can look forward to an enriched viewing experience, anchored by the robust distribution channel of Comcast.