Comcast and Bally Sports have inked a new carriage agreement, ensuring regional sports network fans will be able to catch live broadcasts just in time for the start of August. This deal marks a significant step as the channels had been absent since early May due to protracted negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group.
The new agreement, pivotal for Diamond Sports in its Chapter 11 restructuring, will now allow viewers subscribed to Comcast's most premium TV package, Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," to follow live broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. This move is expected to bring joy to a swath of sports enthusiasts who had been missing local game coverage. For subscribers, Comcast is offering an enticing three-month trial period at no additional charge if they upgrade to this tier by August 30, after which the service will cost $20 per month.
Strategic Victory for Diamond Sports
For Diamond Sports, this agreement is a significant milestone. “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 Diamond CEO David Preschlack, voicing the importance of this development.
Preschlack further 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.”
Implications for Major League Baseball Fans
The restoration of Bally Sports channels is particularly timely for baseball fans in several key markets serviced by Comcast—home to teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. The renewed access coincides with crucial moments in the MLB season, providing fans with the opportunity to stay tuned to their local teams’ broadcasts.
Fans of the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers can also take advantage of in-market streaming options via the Bally Sports app. However, Braves and Twins fans face a tougher situation, as Bally Sports’ streaming app does not provide coverage for these teams, limiting their options for live game broadcasts.
Broader Financial Repercussions
This deal marks a contentious but ultimately victorious chapter in Diamond’s ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now stretching into its sixteenth month. Postponing the confirmation hearing initially set for late July, the new carriage agreement signals a turning tide for Diamond as it seeks to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. Such agreements would not only fortify their financial footing but also expand their broadcasting repertoire significantly.
Diamond Sports holds the linear rights to twelve MLB teams, making these broadcasting agreements crucial for maintaining and expanding their sports programming portfolio. Renewed access through Comcast positions Diamond Sports advantageously as it shifts focus towards solidifying its basketball and hockey season plans.
The signing of this agreement arrives at a time when sports fans are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the basketball and hockey seasons, promising to deliver the high-octane action that these sports bring every year. Both Comcast and Diamond Sports appear committed to bringing these games to fans' screens, overcoming the hurdles that had temporarily disrupted service.
As Diamond Sports navigates the complexities of its ongoing restructuring, its efforts to secure partnerships with major sports leagues like the NBA and NHL will be critical in determining its future stability and growth. This new carriage agreement with Comcast is a promising indication that progress is being made, providing a much-needed win for sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.