After months of blackout, Comcast and Bally Sports channels have finally reached an agreement, much to the relief of baseball fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite local teams. The deal, announced on Monday, is set to take effect this Thursday, the beginning of August. This agreement covers the 15 regional sports networks owned by Diamond Sports Group, the operator of Bally Sports channels, giving fans access to live MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
In order to watch these games on Bally Sports channels, Xfinity customers will need to subscribe to the “Ultimate TV” package, which happens to be Comcast’s most expensive cable package. Customers who upgrade to this package before August 30 will be eligible for a three-month free trial period. However, after the trial period ends, an additional $20 per month will be charged for continued access to the channels. This new agreement comes after Comcast had removed Diamond Sports Group channels from its lineup in May due to failed contract negotiations.
It was reported that a major point of contention in the negotiations was Comcast’s desire to place Bally Sports channels on a higher tier, which would have limited the channels’ reach significantly. The fact that Diamond eventually conceded to Comcast’s terms indicates the importance of Comcast in Diamond’s plans to emerge from bankruptcy. Diamond Sports Group has been in Chapter 11 restructuring for 16 months and was on the brink of a deal with Comcast, which led to a delay in its scheduled confirmation hearing to secure more time.
Future Possibilities for Diamond Sports Group
With Comcast now on board, Diamond Sports Group is looking to strike new digital-rights deals with major sports leagues such as the NBA and the NHL. The company holds linear rights to 12 MLB teams, with Comcast’s presence being strongest in markets where teams like the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins play. The agreement also provides in-market streaming options for the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers through Bally Sports’ streaming app.
In a statement issued by Diamond Sports Group CEO David Preschlack, he expressed the importance of securing a new carriage agreement with Comcast, their third-largest distributor. He emphasized that this agreement is a crucial step in their restructuring efforts and expressed his pleasure in being able to provide fans access to broadcasts of their local teams through Xfinity once again. With certainty in their distribution, Diamond Sports Group is now focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving ongoing negotiations with the NBA.