Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully reached a new carriage agreement, ending a protracted blackout of the Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This resolution means fans can once again enjoy broadcasts of their favorite local teams, starting from the beginning of August.
Blackout Comes to an End
For months, Comcast customers have been unable to access Bally Sports channels, which air a significant number of local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. The blackout began in early May when Diamond Sports Group pulled its channels off the air. This blackout left many sports enthusiasts in markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami without a crucial connection to their local teams.
However, with the new carriage deal, Comcast's Xfinity subscribers who opt for the "Ultimate TV" package will regain access to these channels and can once again tune in live to enjoy their teams' games. Additionally, anyone interested in upgrading to the "Ultimate TV" package has until August 30 to do so, with an enticing offer of a free three-month trial period; after that, the package will cost an additional $20 per month.
Relief for Baseball, Basketball, and Hockey Fans
As part of the agreement, the Bally Sports streaming app will provide convenient in-market viewing options for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans. For Braves and Twins fans, local game coverage will be available through traditional broadcast channels.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the importance of the new 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."
Diamond Sports Group's Financial Struggles
Diamond Sports Group has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months, creating a challenging period for the company and its stakeholders. The company, which owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, has been working diligently to stabilize its financial situation.
In a bid to bolster its position, Diamond Sports Group is keen on finalizing pending agreements with major sports leagues. Preschlack highlighted the urgency of these negotiations, particularly with the basketball and hockey seasons on the horizon. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he added.
Once these agreements are in place, Diamond Sports Group aims to present a comprehensive reorganization plan 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," Preschlack explained.
Looking Beyond the New Agreement
With the recent deal with Comcast, a significant barrier has been cleared for Diamond Sports Group. The company currently holds linear rights to broadcast games for 12 Major League Baseball teams. This new agreement ensures that the viewers of these teams will not miss out on the action as the season progresses.
For Comcast, this deal reaffirms its commitment to providing comprehensive sports coverage to its customers, particularly in key markets where local sports play an integral role in community engagement and viewership loyalty.
In summary, the new carriage agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group marks a pivotal move towards restoring access to Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. It also signifies a notable development in Diamond Sports Group's ongoing restructuring efforts amid its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As the NHL and NBA seasons approach, much remains on the agenda for Diamond Sports Group, but this agreement is without doubt a significant win for both the company and the fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their local sports broadcasts.