Detroit Tigers fans in Michigan woke on Wednesday to learn that they can no longer watch the games on Comcast/Xfinity. As a result, fans of the team, which currently has its best record at this point of the season since 2015, will need to find alternative ways to view games.
Diamond Sports Group owns the rights to Tigers games and broadcasts them under the brand Bally Sports Detroit. But DSG has been unable to come to an agreement with Comcast to continue their arrangement that includes Bally Sports Detroit in the channel lineup for tens of thousands of Michigan customers.
Bally Sports was also removed from other Comcast cable packages across the country on Wednesday. It impacted 10 MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and Minnesota Twins.
If DSG is unable to strike a deal with Comcast/Xfinity, the removal of Bally Sports Detroit from the cable package would also impact Pistons and Red Wings games this fall.
The Tigers and their fans find themselves in the middle of a cable broadcast crisis. It stems from the shift in viewing habits by consumers.
Regional Sports Networks (RSN’s) that for years have been staples on TV, are facing economic challenges due to the exodus of many customers who have “cut the cord” from cable television.
According to Comcast, they were willing to extend the deal with DSG and keep Bally Sports Detroit and the other RSN’s in their lineup under the existing terms, but DSG balked. Diamond is currently navigating a bankruptcy restructuring in hopes of salvaging its RSN’s.
As a result of the removal of Bally Sports Detroit from its Comcast/Xfinity package, the cable provider is issuing a refund of between $8-10 per month to subscribers in Michigan.
How you can still watch Detroit Tigers broadcasts
Detroit Tigers fans in Michigan who were watching Tarik Skubal & Co. on Comcast/Xfinity cable, will need to switch to one of these broadcast options:
- DIRECTV: Essentially an alternative to cable TV service, DirecTV is $74.99 per month with a 24-month commitment. You can get this service with or without a satellite dish.
- MLB TV: Pay $139.99 for the full season. This service will only work if you are a Tigers fan outside of Michigan and Northern Ohio. Tigers games are blacked out otherwise. You will get most of the other 31 MLB teams feeds.
- Fubo: A free trial is available, and after that the minimum cost is $72.99 per month. This service could potentially replace your Comcast cable service, as it provides as many as 271 channels.
- Bally Sports Plus: see below for details.
The most convenient way to continue to watch Tigers games is to download the Bally Sports Plus app. Every broadcast is available there, either on your mobile device or laptop. The app/service can also be added to most smart TVs. The monthly subscription rate for Bally Sports Plus is $19.99.
Frequently asked questions about Bally Sports and Detroit Tigers
Is Bally Sports Detroit still broadcasting Tigers games?
Yes, Bally Sports Detroit as an RSN (Regional Sports Network) is still operating. However, its parent company Diamond Sports Group and Comcast/Xfinity have been unable to agree on terms for keeping the channel in cable package lineups. If you find an alternate way to watch Bally Sports Detroit, you will still enjoy the same broadcasters, game coverage, pregame, and postgame shows that you’re used to.
What is the dispute between Diamond Sports Group’s RSN’s and Comcast/Xfinity?
Diamond is undergoing a bankruptcy as it attempts to reconfigure its RSN’s and find profitability.
Once it emerges from bankruptcy court, it will likely be forced to structure contracts to satisfy its creditors. As a result, DSG is trying to get larger fees for its RSN programming. But faced with fewer subscribers in recent years, Comcast is seeking to restructure the deals to be more profitable for them as they strive to provide sports content to a viewers changing their habits.
Diamond, reportedly, wishes to be included in higher-tier cable packages and receive more money than they have under previous contracts.
How much is a streaming version of Tigers games?
You can get the Bally Sports Plus app on your phone, computer and television for one monthly subscription fee of $19.99.
With Tigers games no longer available on their service, will Comcast refund my subscription?
Comcast/Xfinity recognizes that for many customers, including Tigers fans, one of the primary reasons they subscribe is to get regional sports coverage. As a result of the removal of Bally Sports Detroit from their lineup, Comcast is going to issue a refund of between $8 and $10 to customers.
What are the Detroit Tigers doing to fix the issue with Comcast/Xfinity?
The Tigers are unwitting spectators in the dispute between Comcast and Diamond Sports Group. The Tigers do not negotiate or have anything else to do with the terms of such an agreement.
