Comcast Brings Bally Sports Back: A Win for Sports Fans
Comcast and Bally Sports have arrived at a new carriage agreement, marking a significant win for avid sports fans. With this agreement, the regional sports networks will return to viewers just in time for the onset of August, allowing enthusiasts to follow live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
A Timely Return
The restoration of Bally Sports channels was accomplished through a new carriage deal between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. This development allows subscribers to Xfinity’s "Ultimate TV," the company’s most premium cable package, to access a trove of live sports content. The timing is impeccable as basketball and hockey seasons are just around the corner, ensuring that fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
Incentives for Subscribers
For those who have yet to subscribe to Xfinity’s Ultimate TV package, Comcast is offering a lucrative deal: a three-month trial period free of charge if they upgrade by August 30. Post the trial period, the service transitions to a $20 monthly fee. This offer provides a compelling incentive for sports fans eager to catch every game of their local teams.
A Long-Awaited Agreement
The channels were initially pulled in early May due to protracted negotiations between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The negotiations even resulted in a confirmation hearing initially scheduled for July 29 and 30 being postponed. Despite the delays, the eventual agreement marks a pivotal victory in Diamond's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, now in its sixteenth month.
“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. Preschlack's words resonate strongly with sports fans who have been eagerly awaiting the channels' return.
Focus on Digital Rights
Not just content with this victory, Diamond Sports Group aims to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. “With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," Preschlack added. "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.”
Market Reach and Streaming Options
Comcast's presence in key markets makes this agreement all the more significant. The company operates in regions home to MLB teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Bally Sports’ streaming app offers an in-market option to watch games for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, although Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices due to the absence of the app’s availability in those regions. Diamond holds the linear rights to twelve MLB teams in total, illustrating the broad reach and impact of this new agreement.
Preparing for Upcoming Seasons
The renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast arrives just in time for the upcoming basketball and hockey seasons. The timing could not be better, as fans gear up to follow their favorite teams and players. Diamond Sports Group’s efforts now shift towards solidifying deals with NBA and NHL rights, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their audience.
This new carriage agreement is more than just a resolution of protracted negotiations; it is a beacon of what’s to come for Diamond Sports Group. As they continue to restructure, this deal exemplifies their commitment to providing unparalleled sports content to their audience. With an eye on future agreements, Diamond is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of sports broadcasting.