Bally Sports regional networks go dark for Comcast cable customers

Bally Sports regional networks went dark for Comcast cable customers as carriage negotiations broke down with the bankrupt operator Diamond Sports Group. Comcast’s Xfinity pay-TV customers will receive $8 to $10 a month in credits. This presents another challenge for Diamond Sports, which is aiming to emerge from bankruptcy this year, as well as the struggling regional sports network industry. Comcast customers lost access to Bally Sports’ regional networks, impacting fans of 11 MLB teams. Fans of NBA and NHL teams will feel the effect next season if the blackout continues. Negotiations broke down over terms, as Comcast refused to engage in substantive discussions. The blackout highlights the pressure on the regional sports network business as consumers shift to streaming platforms.