Minnesota Twins Headed Back to Comcast

This season the Minnesota Twins have made consuming the product increasingly difficult. Bally Sports North has continued to carry the games, but multiple hurdles are present. Soon, a straightforward path to watch on television will again be present.

Comcast bringing back Minnesota Twins on Bally Sports

Just months into the 2024 Major League Baseball season, Bally Sports North went off the air for Comcast customers. Effective May 1, the regional sports network’s channel was a simple message regarding a dispute between the two companies. Effective August 1st, Bally Sports will be carried by Comcast once again. But, there’s a catch.

Comcast and Diamond Sports Group announced they’ve reached a new carriage deal today. Under the agreement, fans who subscribe to Xfinity’s “Ultimate TV” package can watch MLB games again beginning Thursday. They can also stream on the Bally Sports app using Xfinity credentials.

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) July 29, 2024

This was a sticking point in the initial negotiations. Comcast wanted to push Bally Sports to their most expensive tier. Ultimately, Diamond Sports Group was dealing with bankruptcy proceedings and seemingly didn’t have much of a leg to stand on. Despite wasting three months fighting with the cable provider, Diamond Sports Group succumbed to the initial ask.

The Ultimate TV Package boasts 185+ channels and starts at $68.50/month as a standalone product in the Minneapolis market. For comparison, Bally Sports North was previously offered on the Popular TV Package which checks in at nearly $20 less for $50/month.

Related: MLB to Subsidize Minnesota Twins for Lost TV Revenue

What happens to Diamond Sports Group, and Bally Sports as a whole, remains to be seen. The company is still working towards a plan to be a viable operation for 2025 and beyond. The Minnesota Twins may finally be available as a direct-to-consumer streaming option. That was promised this season by Dave St. Peter, but obviously went unmet as the organization chose the most lucrative payday.

At least during this stretch run the Twins will again be available in the vast majority of homes across local markets. Customers can also grab a three-month promotion for the Ultimate TV Package that will give them the upgrade for free. Expect a contract to lock you in however.

Related: MLB Files Court Grievance Against Diamond Sports (Bally) Over Comcast Dispute