Diamond Sports and Comcast Reach Agreement to Return Bally Sports RSNs to Xfinity TV Customers
Diamond Sports Group and Comcast have reached a carriage agreement for the distribution of Diamond's 15 regional sports networks (RSNs) to Xfinity TV customers. Starting August 1, 2024, subscribers to Comcast's Xfinity Ultimate TV package in Bally Sports markets will gain access to live, local MLB, NBA, and NHL games and related content on Diamond's RSN channels. Customers will also be able to stream content through the Bally Sports app using their Xfinity credentials.
This agreement follows Diamond's previously announced distribution deals with Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications, and Fubo. Diamond Sports is now focused on finalizing agreements with the NHL and NBA to complete its restructuring efforts and present a reorganization plan to the Court.
Diamond Sports Group e Comcast hanno raggiunto un accordo di distribuzione per la diffusione dei 15 network sportivi regionali di Diamond (RSN) ai clienti di Xfinity TV. A partire dal 1 agosto 2024, gli abbonati al pacchetto Xfinity Ultimate TV nei mercati di Bally Sports potranno accedere a eventi sportivi dal vivo, come partite di MLB, NBA e NHL, e contenuti correlati sui canali RSN di Diamond. I clienti potranno anche trasmettere contenuti tramite l'app Bally Sports utilizzando le proprie credenziali Xfinity.
Questo accordo segue i precedenti contratti di distribuzione annunciati da Diamond con Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications e Fubo. Diamond Sports è ora concentrata nel finalizzare gli accordi con la NHL e la NBA per completare i suoi sforzi di ristrutturazione e presentare un piano di riorganizzazione al Tribunale.
Diamond Sports Group y Comcast han alcanzado un acuerdo de distribución para la difusión de las 15 redes deportivas regionales de Diamond (RSN) a los clientes de Xfinity TV. A partir del 1 de agosto de 2024, los suscriptores del paquete Xfinity Ultimate TV en los mercados de Bally Sports tendrán acceso a partidos en vivo de MLB, NBA y NHL y contenido relacionado en los canales RSN de Diamond. Los clientes también podrán transmitir contenido a través de la aplicación Bally Sports utilizando sus credenciales de Xfinity.
Este acuerdo sigue a los contratos de distribución previamente anunciados por Diamond con Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications y Fubo. Diamond Sports ahora se centra en finalizar los acuerdos con la NHL y la NBA para completar sus esfuerzos de reestructuración y presentar un plan de reorganización ante el Tribunal.
다이아몬드 스포츠 그룹과 콘비캐스트가 다이아몬드의 15개 지역 스포츠 네트워크(RSN)의 배급 계약에 합의했습니다. 2024년 8월 1일부터 Bally Sports 시장에서 Xfinity Ultimate TV 패키지에 가입한 고객은 다이아몬드의 RSN 채널에서 MLB, NBA 및 NHL 경기와 관련 콘텐츠에 실시간으로 접근할 수 있습니다. 고객들은 또한 자신의 Xfinity 자격 증명을 사용하여 Bally Sports 앱을 통해 콘텐츠를 스트리밍할 수 있습니다.
이 계약은 다이아몬드가 Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications 및 Fubo와 체결한 이전 배급 계약에 이어진 것입니다. 다이아몬드 스포츠는 이제 NHL 및 NBA와의 협약을 마무리하는 데 집중하고 있으며, 재조정 노력을 완료하고 법원에 재구성 계획을 제출할 예정입니다.
Diamond Sports Group et Comcast ont conclu un accord de distribution pour la diffusion des 15 chaînes régionales de sport de Diamond (RSN) aux clients de Xfinity TV. À partir du 1er août 2024, les abonnés au forfait Xfinity Ultimate TV sur les marchés de Bally Sports auront accès à des matches en direct de MLB, NBA et NHL et au contenu associé sur les chaînes RSN de Diamond. Les clients pourront également diffuser du contenu via l'application Bally Sports en utilisant leurs identifiants Xfinity.
Ce partenariat fait suite aux accords de distribution précédemment annoncés par Diamond avec Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications et Fubo. Diamond Sports se concentre désormais sur la finalisation des accords avec la NHL et la NBA, afin de compléter ses efforts de restructuration et de présenter un plan de réorganisation au Tribunal.
Diamond Sports Group und Comcast haben eine Verteilungseinigung für die Ausstrahlung der 15 regionalen Sportsender (RSN) von Diamond an Xfinity TV-Kunden erzielt. Ab dem 1. August 2024 erhalten die Abonnenten des Xfinity Ultimate TV-Pakets in Bally Sports-Märkten Zugang zu live, lokalen MLB-, NBA- und NHL-Spielen und verwandten Inhalten auf den RSN-Kanälen von Diamond. Kunden können auch Inhalte über die Bally Sports-App mit ihren Xfinity-Anmeldedaten streamen.
Diese Vereinbarung folgt den zuvor angekündigten Verträgen zur Verbreitung mit Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications und Fubo. Diamond Sports konzentriert sich nun darauf, Vereinbarungen mit der NHL und NBA abzuschließen, um seine Umstrukturierungsbemühungen zu vervollständigen und dem Gericht einen Reorganisationsplan vorzulegen.
- Secured carriage agreement with Comcast, the third largest distributor
- Expanded distribution to Xfinity Ultimate TV package subscribers
- Includes streaming access through the Bally Sports app
- Previously secured agreements with Charter, DIRECTV, Cox, and Fubo
- Agreement doesn't take effect until August 1, 2024
- Still in ongoing negotiations with NHL and NBA
- Company remains in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings
The agreement between Diamond Sports Group (DSG) and Comcast marks a significant development in DSG's restructuring efforts. As the third-largest distributor for DSG, Comcast's inclusion adds substantial value to Diamond's distribution network. This deal, effective August 1, 2024, will potentially increase DSG's revenue stream and viewer base, which is important for its financial stability.
However, it's important to note that the financial terms were not disclosed, making it challenging to quantify the direct impact on DSG's bottom line. The agreement's timing, coming after deals with other major distributors like Charter Communications and DIRECTV, suggests DSG is making progress in securing its market position.
From an investor's perspective, this news is cautiously positive. While it demonstrates DSG's ability to negotiate with major players, the company still faces significant challenges. The ongoing negotiations with NHL and NBA are critical and the outcome of these talks will be a key factor in DSG's future viability. Investors should closely monitor these developments, as they will significantly influence DSG's reorganization plan and long-term prospects.
This agreement between Diamond Sports Group and Comcast represents a pivotal shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. It's a clear indication that traditional cable providers are adapting to the changing viewer preferences by integrating regional sports networks (RSNs) into premium packages and offering streaming options.
The inclusion of the Bally Sports app authentication for Xfinity customers is particularly noteworthy. This multi-platform approach aligns with the industry trend towards flexibility in content consumption, potentially helping to retain subscribers who might otherwise cut the cord.
However, the delayed implementation (effective August 2024) raises questions about the immediate impact on both companies and viewers. This extended timeline might be a strategic move to allow for technical integration and marketing preparations, but it also risks losing impatient viewers to competing services in the interim.
The broader implication for the industry is the potential stabilization of the RSN model, which has been under significant pressure. If Diamond can secure similar deals with other providers and leagues, it could signal a new equilibrium in sports broadcasting, balancing traditional cable distribution with direct-to-consumer options.
Content to be Available on Xfinity Ultimate TV Package Effective August 1st
Having Secured Agreements with Distribution Partners, Diamond Sports is Focused on Finalizing Agreements with NHL and NBA
Under the agreement, subscribers to Comcast’s Xfinity Ultimate TV package in Bally Sports markets will gain access to live, local MLB, NBA and NHL games and pre- and post-game content on Diamond’s RSN channels, effective August 1, 2024. Additionally, Xfinity Ultimate TV customers will be able to stream Diamond’s RSN content by authenticating using their Xfinity credentials on the Bally Sports app.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond Sports stated, “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. 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 carriage agreement with Comcast follows Diamond’s previously announced distribution agreements with Charter Communications, DIRECTV, Cox Communications and Fubo.
Financial terms of the carriage agreement with Comcast were not disclosed.
Additional information regarding Diamond’s Chapter 11 cases, including court filings and information about the claims process are available at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/DSG.
About Diamond Sports Group
Diamond Sports Group LLC, an independently managed and unconsolidated subsidiary of Sinclair Inc., owns the Bally Sports Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), the nation’s leading provider of local sports. Its 17 owned-and-operated RSNs include Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Great Lakes, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports Kansas City, Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports New Orleans, Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Ohio, Bally Sports Oklahoma, Bally Sports SoCal, Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Southeast, Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports West, and Bally Sports Wisconsin. The Bally Sports RSNs serve as the TV home to nearly half of all MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240729122592/en/
Media Contacts
For Diamond Sports Group: Paul Caminiti/Renée Soto/Luc Herbowy, Reevemark, DiamondSportsTeam@reevemark.com
For Comcast:
Jenni Gatta
Jenni_Moyer@Comcast.com
(m) 610-506-8951
John Demming
John_Demming@Comcast.com
(m) 215-429-4744
Source: Diamond Sports Group LLC
FAQ
When will Bally Sports RSNs be available on Xfinity TV for CMCSA customers?
What content will be included in the Diamond Sports and Comcast (CMCSA) agreement?
Can Xfinity customers stream Bally Sports content after the CMCSA agreement?