Diamond Sports and Comcast Reach Agreement to Return Bally Sports RSNs to Xfinity TV Customers
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
Diamond Sports Group LLC ("DSG," "Diamond," or the "Company") and Comcast today announced that they have reached a carriage agreement for the distribution of Diamond's 15 regional sports networks ("RSNs") to Xfinity TV customers.
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 the United States. Diamond Sports Group also has a joint venture in Marquee, the home of the Chicago Cubs, and a minority interest in the YES Network, the local destination for the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets. Diamond RSNs produce over 4,000 live local professional telecasts each year in addition to a wide variety of locally produced sports events and programs.
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.
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