The long-awaited return of Bally Sports channels has finally come to fruition for Comcast viewers, just in time for the onset of the August sports lineup. This development is the result of a new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group, reinstating the regional sports networks to viewers who subscribe to Xfinity’s top-tier "Ultimate TV" package.
The absence of Bally Sports channels, which began in early May due to prolonged negotiations, left fans anxious for the return of their beloved MLB, NBA, and NHL broadcasts. Fortunately, for those willing to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30, Comcast offers a three-month trial period free of charge. After this promotional period, the service will cost $20 per month.
A Respite for Fans
Comcast’s extensive market reach includes MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Major sports enthusiasts now have the opportunity to watch live, local broadcasts of their favorite teams via these crucial channels. Furthermore, Bally Sports’ streaming app adds an in-market option for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, though Braves and Twins fans have fewer choices for live broadcasts due to the absence of a dedicated streaming app for these teams.
Restructuring & Revival
This new agreement is a significant milestone for Diamond Sports Group, especially as they navigate a complex Chapter 11 restructuring process that has spanned sixteen months. Diamond CEO David Preschlack expressed the importance of this deal, 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.”
The intricate negotiations, which included a postponement of a confirmation hearing initially slated for late July, underscore the efforts invested in reaching this pivotal deal. The successful renegotiation demonstrates Comcast and Diamond’s commitment to enhancing the viewing experience for sports fans. Preschlack emphasized, “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.”
Looking Forward
As basketball and hockey seasons approach, the timely reintroduction of Bally Sports channels ensures that fans won’t miss out on the upcoming action. Diamond Sports aims to leverage this momentum to secure new digital-rights agreements with both the NBA and NHL. With linear rights to twelve MLB teams already in their portfolio, Diamond is strategically positioning itself to enhance access and engagement for a broad spectrum of sports fans.
The renewed access through Comcast arrives as a breath of fresh air, particularly for viewers in key markets. The integration of Bally Sports channels into Xfinity's "Ultimate TV" package reaffirms the importance of regional sports networks in creating an immersive, local sports experience. As both Diamond and Comcast continue to advance their negotiations, sports enthusiasts can look forward to a more integrated and accessible viewing experience.
In essence, the synchronization of this carriage deal with the sports calendar's timing could not be more perfect. Fans eager to follow MLB, NBA, and NHL games can once again tune in to Bally Sports’ comprehensive coverage, ensuring they remain connected to their favorite teams throughout the season.