• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

‘Massive Disruption’ for MLB, NHL Teams: Comcast, DSG Deal Expires

  • The Bally Sports parent and the second-largest U.S. cable distributor fail to come to terms.
  • Comcast has shown a willingness to withstand lengthy periods without certain sports networks.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Diamond Sports Group’s unlikely effort to emerge from bankruptcy—one previously making sizable progress—took a significant hit when it failed to come to terms on a new distribution deal with Comcast, the nation’s second-largest cable carrier. 

The parent of the Bally Sports regional sports networks last month struck a carriage agreement with Charter, the largest distributor in the U.S., is nearing a finalized deal with DirecTV (No. 3), and also renewed this week with smaller operator Cox Communications. But Comcast did not come to terms with the company and a prior deal expired Tuesday night. 

“We have been very flexible with Diamond Sports Group for months as they work through their bankruptcy proceedings, providing them with an extension on the Bally Sports regional networks last fall and a unilateral right to extend the term for another year, which they opted not to exercise,” Comcast said in a statement. “We’d like to continue carrying their networks, but they have declined multiple offers, and we no longer have the rights to this programming.”

MLB teams and their fans are among those feeling the foremost initial brunt of the dispute, as it particularly impacted local coverage of the Braves, Marlins, Tigers, and Twins. But the situation also cut off coverage Tuesday of an NHL playoff game between the Predators and Canucks in the middle of the third period. 

“The Twins are disappointed by this massive disruption for our fans who simply want to watch our games,” the team said. “This situation is a business negotiation between Comcast and [DSG]. The Twins have no role and voice in the matter. We are hopeful the two parties are able to come to an agreement as soon as possible.”

The stakes are high as DSG reconstitutes itself, as the company has said that its prior deals with Charter, Comcast, and DirecTV collectively represent about 81% of its total distribution revenue. A hearing to approve DSG’s reorganization plan is scheduled for June 18.

“At this critical juncture for Diamond, we hope that Comcast will recognize the important and mutually beneficial role Diamond and RSNs play in the media ecosystem,” DSG said.

In for the Long Haul? 

When, or even if, a new deal between Comcast and DSG can be reached is now quite uncertain. But what isn’t a mystery is Comcast’s willingness to keep certain sports channels dark on its systems indefinitely, if needed.

New York’s MSG Networks—which shows the NHL’s Rangers, Islanders, and Devils as well as the NBA’s Knicks—has been off Comcast homes in New Jersey and Connecticut since 2021. Altitude, which airs the NBA’s Nuggets, NHL’s Avalanche, and NLL’s Mammoth, has been dark on Denver-area Comcast systems since ’19 amid a bitter carriage dispute. YES Network, another New York regional sports network that shows MLB’s Yankees and the NBA’s Nets, was off Comcast for 13 months between ’15 and ’17, and a broader agreement that also included carriage for Fox News was part of the eventual solution there. 

Conversely, Comcast was able to reach new distribution deals recently with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network and SportsNet Pittsburgh with far less acrimony, but only because both of those outlets agreed to be placed on more expensive and less broadly distributed tiers.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Extends Leaves of Clase, Ortiz as Betting Probe Continues

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were put on paid non-disciplinary through Aug. 31; now their leaves have been extended “until further notice.”
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Kyle Schwarber’s MVP Candidacy Could Lead to Massive Payday

The Phillies slugger makes history and could do so again this winter.

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.