Comcast and Diamond Sports Group Reach New Carriage Deal, Ending Blackout
In a significant triumph for sports fans, Comcast Corporation and Diamond Sports Group have reached a new carriage agreement, concluding a prolonged blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. The deal is set to restore access to beloved local teams, with broadcasts resuming in early August.
The reinstatement of Bally Sports channels signals an end to a months-long blackout that began when Diamond Sports Group pulled its content off the air in May. This resolution comes as particularly welcome news for enthusiastic followers of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League, all of whom will regain the opportunity to view their local teams live.
Diamond Sports Group, under the guidance of CEO David Preschlack, has been grappling with bankruptcy proceedings for 16 months. Throughout this challenging period, the company has strived to safeguard its sports programming amid restructuring efforts. "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 stated.
Affected Markets and Viewing Options
For Comcast, whose service areas include notable markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami, the renewed deal is particularly impactful. Xfinity customers who subscribe to the "Ultimate TV" package will now be able to watch live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Additionally, the Bally Sports streaming app offers an in-market viewing alternative for fans of the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers.
While the app provides significant convenience, not all fans can rely on this digital option. For instance, followers of the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins need to utilize broadcast channels for their local game coverage. Therefore, the reinstatement of these channels through Comcast's network is crucial for a wide range of sports enthusiasts.
Special Offers and Deadlines
To further sweeten the deal, Comcast is extending an offer for Xfinity customers interested in upgrading to the "Ultimate TV" package, giving a free three-month trial period. This introductory offer will run until August 30, after which the package will cost an additional $20 per month.
The Bigger Picture: Restructuring and Future Deals
Preschlack’s efforts extend beyond just Comcast, as the CEO emphasized the importance of resolving ongoing negotiations with other major sports leagues. With a focus on finalizing agreements with the NHL and the NBA, Diamond Sports Group aims to present a comprehensive plan of reorganization to the court. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," explained Preschlack. "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."
Currently, Diamond Sports Group owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports brand and holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams. As the company navigates its path through bankruptcy under Chapter 11, securing distribution deals like the one with Comcast is essential to its strategy for long-term viability and growth.
Fans Rejoice
For fans, this new carriage agreement means a return to normalcy and the much-missed ability to follow their favorite local teams. It’s a win not just for sports enthusiasts but also for the broader sports broadcasting landscape, as one of the major providers steps closer to securing its future amid turbulent times.
As the restructuring phase progresses and new agreements are finalized, attention will inevitably turn to how these developments will affect the viewing experience for fans across various markets. For now, the agreement between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group is a pivotal step forward, promising a richer and more accessible sports viewing experience.