Comcast Reaches New Deal With Bally Sports; But Fans Will Have to Pay More

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.

Comcast and Diamond Sports Group announced today that they have reached a new carriage agreement for 15 Bally Sports regional sports networks, ending a nearly three-month old blackout.

The companies said the Bally Sports channels will be available in the Comcast Xfinity Ultimate TV package on August 1, 2024. The RSNs were previously available on the Xfinity Popular TV plan which is $20 a month cheaper.

The move to the Ultimate TV package, which was a top demand by Comcast, means that fewer subscribers are likely to have access to the channels. That also means a likely reduction in carriage fees for Diamond Sports because channels are paid by the number of subscribers who have access.

But Diamond Sports, which has struggled to complete a bankruptcy reorganization plan, should get a boost by the renewed distribution on Comcast. The NBA, NHL and MLB have all voiced concern about Diamond Sports’ distribution plans and financial resources.,

Xfinity Ultimate TV customers will be able to stream Diamond’s RSN content by authenticating using their Xfinity credentials on the Bally Sports app, the companies said. Bally Sports market subscribers to Comcast’s Popular TV plan should also see a reduction or elimination in their regional sports fee.

“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. “With certainty on our distribution, we are focused on finalizing an agreement with the NHL and resolving our ongoing negotiations with the NBA. 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.”

“We appreciate Diamond Sports working with us to reach a solution that returns the Bally Sports RSNs to our Ultimate TV customers in a way that reflects the changing video marketplace for local sports,” said Greg Rigdon, President of Content Acquisition for Comcast. “We look forward to making these networks available on August 1, so customers can enjoy watching their favorite teams again.”

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.