Comcast and Diamond Sports agree on cable deal for Bally regional sports

Are you a fan of MLB, NBA, or NHL teams and a Comcast cable TV customer? If so, we have exciting news for you! Bally Sports regional channels are making a comeback for Comcast cable customers starting August 1st, thanks to a recent deal reached between Diamond Sports and Comcast.

Diamond Sports, the owner of Bally Sports-branded regional sports networks, had previously gone dark for Comcast cable customers on May 1st at the start of MLB’s regular season, leaving fans of 11 MLB teams in the dark. However, with this new agreement, fans can soon enjoy watching their favorite local teams once again on Xfinity.

This deal is not only a win for sports fans but also a crucial step forward for Diamond Sports’ survival after filing for bankruptcy last March. By securing contracts with various pay TV providers like Comcast, the company is on track to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy protection under the ownership of its creditors.

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In addition to Comcast, Diamond Sports has also reached carriage deals with Charter Communications, DirecTV, and Fubo, ensuring that fans across different platforms can access their local teams’ broadcasts.

With certainty on distribution, Diamond Sports is now focused on finalizing agreements with the NHL and resolving ongoing negotiations with the NBA, as both basketball and hockey seasons are fast approaching. The future of Diamond Sports has been questioned by leagues in court hearings, but with this recent agreement with Comcast, the company is taking necessary steps to solidify its business plan.

The negotiations between Diamond and Comcast hit a roadblock in May over terms related to how the sports networks would be included in cable packages. However, the deal reached on Monday allows Comcast to offer Diamond Sports networks in tiered packages, accommodating both the company and customers.

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As the cable industry faces challenges with customers shifting towards cheaper streaming options, deals like this one between Diamond Sports and Comcast are crucial for the future of regional sports networks. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Remember, Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and CNBC, so you know you’re in good hands with this agreement. Don’t miss out on the action – mark your calendars for August 1st and get ready to cheer on your favorite local teams once again!

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