In a significant development for sports broadcasting, Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have reached a new carriage deal, ending a months-long blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This resolution spells relief for fans eager to catch their favorite local teams on the big screen, starting from the beginning of August.
Diamond Sports Group, which owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, has been navigating turbulent waters over the past 16 months, contending with Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The blackout had started in May, causing considerable frustration among sports enthusiasts in markets where Comcast has a strong presence, such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami.
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," said David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports Group.
The new agreement offers a fresh lease on viewership for Comcast customers subscribing to the "Ultimate TV" package, who will now be able to watch live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. For fans of teams like the Braves and Twins, local game coverage will be available through broadcast channels, while the Bally Sports' streaming app will provide an in-market viewing option for Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers fans.
A Race Against Time
Preschlack emphasized the urgency of the situation as Diamond Sports Group is intent on finalizing deals with the NHL and resolving ongoing negotiations with the NBA. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he stated. "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."
This restructuring is not just about maintaining broadcasts but also about stabilizing the company's financial health. Successful negotiations with the NHL and NBA would provide a much-needed boost in their reorganization plan, which is crucial given their current linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams.
Subscriber Perks
For Xfinity customers, there’s an added incentive. Those who switch to the "Ultimate TV" package by August 30 can benefit from a free three-month trial period, post which the package will cost an additional $20 per month. This strategic move appears to be aimed not only at enhancing customer satisfaction but also at widening the subscriber base during this critical phase for Diamond Sports Group.
Ultimately, this deal signifies more than just the return of sports broadcasts. It underscores a pivotal moment in Diamond Sports Group's ongoing efforts to regain stability and confidence among both fans and business partners. The ability to navigate through bankruptcy while securing critical agreements with major distributors like Comcast is a testament to the resilience and strategic focus of the company's leadership.
As fans gear up to tune into their favored games once again, the behind-the-scenes work of executives, legal teams, and league negotiators continue with vigor. Their goal: to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality sports entertainment, reflective of the passion that runs deep through every local fanbase.