After a lengthy carriage dispute, Diamond Sports Group, the owner of the Bally Sports-branded family of regional sports networks, has finally reached a deal with Comcast to bring MLB games back to Xfinity. This marks the end of a three-month period during which 15 of the Bally Sports RSNs were dark on Xfinity, leaving a significant gap in MLB’s regional sports network numbers. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but it is a positive step forward for both companies and sports fans alike.
Prior to the resolution of the dispute, 12 MLB teams relied on Bally Sports as their regional sports network provider, including popular teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. This disruption in service had caused a decrease in viewership for Comcast subscribers, as the RSNs were unavailable for viewing since May 2. However, with the dispute now settled, fans can once again tune in to watch their favorite teams play.
Effective August 1, the Bally Sports RSNs will be included in the Xfinity Ultimate TV Package, a higher-tier offering that ranges in price from $68.50 to $80.00 monthly, depending on the region. In addition, customers with the Ultimate TV Package will have the option to stream Diamond’s RSN content through the Bally Sports app by using their Xfinity credentials. This arrangement is a positive outcome for both companies and demonstrates a commitment to providing access to local sports content for fans.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports, expressed the importance of reaching an agreement with Comcast, their third-largest distributor, as a critical step in the restructuring effort. He emphasized the need for certainty in distribution and indicated that ongoing negotiations with the NBA and NHL are underway. If Diamond exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy ahead of their respective seasons, Xfinity customers can expect to see NBA and NHL games on their platform as well, expanding their sports viewing options.
Both Diamond and Comcast executives have expressed gratitude for reaching a resolution that benefits both parties and their customers. Greg Rigdon, President of Content Acquisition for Comcast, acknowledged the changing landscape of the video marketplace for local sports and highlighted the importance of making Bally Sports RSNs available to Ultimate TV customers. With the dispute now resolved, Diamond anticipates a full slate of major carriers airing their content, including Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications, and Fubo, providing fans with access to a wide range of sports programming.
Overall, the agreement between Diamond Sports Group and Comcast represents a positive development for sports fans, as the return of Bally Sports RSNs to Xfinity brings back a vital source of MLB coverage for viewers. With the dispute now behind them, both companies can focus on finalizing agreements with the NBA and NHL, ensuring that fans can enjoy a full lineup of sports content on Xfinity. Time is of the essence as basketball and hockey seasons approach, but both Diamond and Comcast are committed to moving forward quickly and providing a seamless viewing experience for their customers.
