Comcast and Diamond Sports Group have successfully negotiated a new carriage deal, effectively ending a months-long blackout of Bally Sports channels for Comcast customers. This resolution is particularly noteworthy as it brings back access to local sports broadcasts that fans have been eagerly awaiting.
A Return for Fans
Starting at the beginning of August, fans will once again be able to tune into their favorite local teams. For Xfinity customers subscribed to the "Ultimate TV" package, this includes live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games. Regions set to benefit from this renewed access include strong Comcast markets such as Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Miami. Of particular note, the Bally Sports streaming app will offer an in-market viewing option for fans of the Marlins, Rays, Royals, and Tigers.
However, Braves and Twins fans will need to utilize the traditional broadcast channels to catch their local game coverage. Xfinity customers have until August 30 to upgrade to the "Ultimate TV" package, which comes with a free three-month trial period. After this period, the package will incur an additional cost of $20 per month.
Diamond Sports Group's Restructuring Journey
The announcement comes at a crucial time for Diamond Sports Group (DSG), which has been navigating bankruptcy proceedings under Chapter 11 for the past 16 months. The company, which owns 15 regional sports networks under the Bally Sports banner, had pulled their channels off the air at the start of May as they worked through their restructuring efforts. DSG holds linear rights to 12 Major League Baseball teams.
"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.
Finalizing Agreements and Future Plans
Preschlack emphasized the importance of the deal with Comcast, especially as the NBA and NHL seasons quickly approach. "With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA," he said.
DSG's ultimate goal is to present a reorganization plan to the court, contingent upon the completion of their agreements with team and league partners. "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 added.
Implications for the Sports Community
For a company entrenched in bankruptcy proceedings, securing a carriage deal with one of the largest distributors in the country is a significant boon. This development offers a glimmer of hope for the sports community and the fans who have been deprived of local sports broadcasts for months.
As DSG continues to solidify its restructuring efforts and work towards agreements that will impact future broadcasts, fans can look forward to resuming regular viewing habits, aligning just in time with the heat of the baseball season and the impending start of basketball and hockey.
The deal not only stands as a testament to DSG's commitment to maintaining regional sports broadcasting but also as an encouraging sign of potential stability and growth moving forward. With stakeholders closely watching Aaron Preschlack's maneuvers, the sports broadcasting landscape remains dynamic and full of potential.
Ultimately, while challenges remain, the renewed access to Bally Sports channels signifies a positive step in an ongoing journey. Fans and industry insiders alike will be keenly observing how DSG navigates the next stages of their restructuring plan.