Comcast and Diamond Sports Group Secure New Carriage Deal
In a turn of events that’s set to thrill sports fans, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully inked a new carriage deal, bringing an end to the blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. The agreement is poised to restore access to local sports broadcasts just in time for the beginning of August, after a months-long disruption. The timing is crucial for fans eager to catch live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group, emphasized the significance of this development. “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.
The agreement comes as Diamond Sports Group continues to navigate Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a process that has extended over the last 16 months. Despite these financial challenges, Diamond Sports Group remains a dominant player in the regional sports network market, owning 15 networks under the Bally Sports banner. The company pulled their channels off the air in early May, triggering a wave of frustration among sports enthusiasts and Comcast subscribers.
Enhanced Viewing Options for Xfinity Customers
Xfinity customers subscribed to the "Ultimate TV" package will particularly benefit from this reestablished partnership. Access to live, local games across major sports leagues such as MLB, NBA, and NHL will be reinstated, making it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams without interruptions. Notably, markets like Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami are expected to have a strong presence in the viewership.
In addition to the traditional broadcast methods, the Bally Sports streaming app will provide in-market viewing options for fans of local teams like the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers. However, fans of the Braves and Twins will need to resort to broadcast channels for their local game coverage.
For Comcast customers keen on making the most of this deal, there is an opportunity to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30. Subscribers who opt for this upgrade are entitled to a free three-month trial period, after which the package will incur an additional cost of $20 per month.
Future Agreements and Restructuring Efforts
Diamond Sports Group has not only been focused on resolving the carriage issues but is also actively pursuing agreements with major sports leagues. Preschlack reiterated this objective: “With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA.”
The upcoming basketball and hockey seasons underline the urgency of these negotiations. Preschlack is well aware of the imperative nature of these timelines. “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,” he added.
Currently, Diamond Sports Group holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams, and the new partnership with Comcast will help solidify its distribution framework. As the company approaches the end of bankruptcy proceedings, it remains committed to fortifying its relationships with its team and league partners.
This development promises a more stable and enjoyable viewing experience for sports fans who rely on Bally Sports, ensuring that avid followers can stay tuned to every crucial moment of their favorite local teams’ games. The new carriage deal marks a significant milestone in Diamond Sports Group’s ongoing restructuring efforts, promising a return to normalcy for affected Comcast customers.