In a move that will delight many sports fans, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have reached a new carriage deal, ending a prolonged blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This significant agreement ensures that viewers will once again have access to live broadcasts of their favorite local teams, starting from the beginning of August.
The blackout, which began at the start of May, had left many fans in the lurch, unable to watch regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports Group under the Bally Sports banner. This group includes 15 regional sports networks, a crucial component for fans following Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL).
New Carriage Agreement
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the importance of the new carriage agreement with Comcast, 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."
This agreement comes at a pivotal time as Diamond Sports Group has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months. The company pulled its channels from the air to streamline operations and renegotiate terms. The resolution with Comcast signifies a major step in reorganizing the company’s broadcasting strategy, especially as Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams.
Ultimate TV Package and Market Reach
Xfinity customers subscribing to the "Ultimate TV" package are set to benefit from this new agreement. This package will allow viewers to watch live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Xfinity's strong market presence across cities like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami further enhances the accessibility of these sports channels for local fans.
Additionally, the Bally Sports streaming app continues to provide an in-market viewing option for fans of teams like the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. However, fans of the Braves and Twins will need to rely on broadcast channels for their local game coverage. Xfinity customers willing to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package have until August 30 to do so, with a three-month free trial period, after which the package will cost an additional $20 per month.
Future Agreements and Reorganization Plans
Preschlack highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to finalize agreements with the NHL and NBA. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he said. These agreements are essential as the basketball and hockey seasons rapidly approach.
Looking ahead, Preschlack and Diamond Sports Group aim to present a plan of reorganization to the court. "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," he added.
This multi-faceted strategy underscores Diamond Sports Group's commitment to not only emerging from Chapter 11 but also to solidifying its position as a key player in the regional sports broadcasting industry.
The resolution of the blackout and the new carriage deal with Comcast are pivotal developments for sports fans eagerly waiting to cheer on their local teams. With the promise of more stable broadcasting solutions on the horizon, fans can look forward to a new season filled with uninterrupted sports action.