Comcast and Bally Sports Reach New Carriage Agreement
Comcast and Bally Sports have successfully negotiated a new carriage agreement, marking a welcome return of the regional sports networks to enthusiastic viewers just in time for the start of August. This development comes as part of a critical new carriage deal with Diamond Sports Group, aiming to end a blackout that left many fans without access to their favorite local sports broadcasts.
Details of the Agreement
The new deal will allow subscribers of Xfinity’s ultimate cable package, "Ultimate TV," to follow live, local broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Those who opt to upgrade to this premium tier by August 30 will enjoy a three-month trial period free of charge, after which the service will cost $20 per month.
Comcast had previously pulled the Bally Sports channels in early May due to stalled negotiations with Diamond Sports Group, a position that left many sports fans disgruntled. The protracted negotiations reached a critical point that even saw a confirmation hearing, initially scheduled for July 29 and 30, postponed.
Impact and Implications
The renewed agreement marks a significant victory for Diamond, especially as it continues to navigate its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, which has now stretched into its sixteenth month. Diamond Sports Group has been keenly focused on restructuring efforts, and its CEO David Preschlack views this deal as a pivotal step forward. “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 in a statement.
Diamond's focus now shifts towards sealing new digital-rights agreements with the NBA and NHL to ensure their content's comprehensive accessibility. Preschlack emphasized the urgency of this next phase: “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.”
Regional Market Impact
Comcast holds substantial leverage in markets that are home to several MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers will benefit from Bally Sports' streaming app, which offers an in-market option to watch games. However, Braves and Twins followers face limited options for catching live broadcasts due to the unavailability of Bally Sports’ streaming app in those markets.
Looking Ahead
This renewed access to Bally Sports channels via Comcast arrives just in time for the eagerly anticipated basketball and hockey seasons, marking a timely resolution for fans who have been missing out on live games. Diamond Sports Group’s strategic pivot towards securing NBA and NHL rights bodes well for maintaining and expanding their viewer base. As Diamond continues its reorganization and negotiations, the primary aim is to ensure that fans have reliable access to live broadcasts of their favorite local teams, reinforcing the importance of such agreements in the highly competitive sports broadcasting landscape.
In conclusion, this arrangement represents a significant step forward for both Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, ensuring that fans remain at the forefront of these business decisions. The resolution of this blackout is a clear demonstration of the commitment to providing quality sports broadcasting, especially in a market as dynamic and passionate as regional sports.