In a significant development for sports fans, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have inked a new carriage deal, ending a prolonged blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This resolution comes as a welcome change for fans who have missed out on live coverage of their favorite local teams. Starting at the beginning of August, viewers will once again have the opportunity to tune in to Bally Sports channels, just in time for the mid-season excitement of the Major League Baseball (MLB), the upcoming National Basketball Association (NBA) season, and the National Hockey League (NHL) action ahead.
Diamond Sports Group, currently navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, has been in restructuring mode for the past 16 months. Under the leadership of CEO David Preschlack, the company owns 15 regional sports networks operating under the Bally Sports brand. These networks were abruptly pulled off the air at the beginning of May, leading to a months-long hiatus for many fans relying on Xfinity services to catch their local sports broadcasts.
Comcast, with a robust presence in markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, will reintegrate Bally Sports channels into its platform. Specifically, Xfinity subscribers who have opted for the "Ultimate TV" package will be able to enjoy live coverage of MLB, NBA, and NHL games in their respective regions. For baseball enthusiasts rooting for teams like the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers, Bally Sports' streaming app provides an in-market viewing option. Meanwhile, fans of the Braves and Twins will continue to rely on traditional broadcast channels for coverage of their local games.
A Critical Step in Restructuring
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the importance of this new carriage agreement, 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 renewed partnership is vital for Diamond Sports Group as it works on stabilizing its operations and ensuring consistent content delivery to its audience.
Preschlack further elaborated on the company's strategic focus, saying, "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA." As the NHL and NBA seasons are fast approaching, these agreements are crucial for the company to maintain its position as a leading regional sports broadcaster.
Subscribers of the "Ultimate TV" package are given a compelling incentive to switch or remain with the service. They have until August 30 to upgrade, and the package includes a three-month free trial period, after which an additional $20 per month fee will be applied. This offer aims to bolster the subscriber base and recuperate some of the viewer losses sustained during the blackout period.
Looking Towards the Court
With the new carriage agreement with Comcast secured, Preschlack pointed out the timeline for completing ongoing negotiations. "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." Such a plan is vital for Diamond Sports Group to emerge from its bankruptcy status and resume normal business operations.
Currently, Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams. Ensuring continued and expanded broadcasting agreements is vital for the company's reorganization plan, which aims to solidify its financial footing and continue delivering quality sports content to its wide audience.
The resolution of the carriage dispute and the proactive steps towards restructuring underscore Diamond Sports Group’s commitment to its viewers and partners. As the dust settles, sports fans across multiple regions can look forward to uninterrupted access to their favorite teams and games, bringing back the excitement and engagement that only live sports broadcasts can offer.