Bally Sports is a group of TV channels that show local sports games in the U.S. It is the main place where many fans watch their favorite baseball, basketball, and hockey teams. If you love local sports, Bally Sports is an important channel to have.
Bally Sports is owned by Diamond Sports Group. It mainly covers games from three major leagues:
- Major League Baseball (MLB) – Teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers have their games broadcast here.
- National Basketball Association (NBA) – Teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks appear on Bally Sports.
- National Hockey League (NHL) – Bally Sports covers teams like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild.
Besides professional sports, Bally Sports also shows college games and high school sports, making it a great place for sports lovers of all ages.
The History of Bally Sports
From Fox Sports to Bally Sports
Bally Sports did not always have this name. Before 2021, these channels were known as Fox Sports Regional Networks. Fox owned them for years, but when Disney bought 21st Century Fox in 2019, they had to sell these networks due to U.S. laws about competition.
Sinclair Broadcast Group bought these sports networks and later made a deal with Bally’s Corporation, a casino company. This partnership led to the name change in 2021. Now, Bally Sports continues to air local games for fans all over the country.
What Can You Watch on Bally Sports?
Local and Regional Sports
Bally Sports is the best place for watching local teams play live. It focuses on:
- MLB games – Watch teams like the Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins.
- NBA games – Follow teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans.
- NHL games – Enjoy matchups featuring the Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes.
College and High School Sports
In addition to professional leagues, Bally Sports also covers lower levels of competition, including:
- NCAA basketball and football
- High school football championships
- Minor league baseball
This makes Bally Sports a great choice for fans who enjoy all levels of sports, from young athletes to professional stars.
How to Watch Bally Sports
Cable and Satellite TV
Bally Sports is available through many traditional TV providers. You can find it on:
- Xfinity
- DirecTV
- Spectrum
- Cox Communications
If you already have cable or satellite TV, check with your provider to see if Bally Sports is included in your package.
Streaming Bally Sports
If you don’t have cable, you can still watch Bally Sports through different streaming options:
- Bally Sports+ – This is Bally Sports’ official streaming service, allowing you to watch live games without a cable subscription.
- DirecTV Stream – This service offers Bally Sports in certain packages.
- FuboTV – In some locations, Bally Sports is available through FuboTV.
However, many popular services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV no longer carry Bally Sports, which has made it difficult for some fans to access their favorite teams.
Why Bally Sports Has Faced Challenges
Financial Problems
In 2023, Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports, filed for bankruptcy. The company had trouble making enough money to cover its costs. More people are canceling cable and moving to streaming services, which hurt Bally Sports’ business model.
Disagreements With Streaming Services
Bally Sports has also had problems with streaming services. Many fans were upset when Bally Sports was removed from YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. This happened because Bally Sports and the streaming services couldn’t agree on how much money should be paid for broadcasting rights. These issues have made it harder for fans to watch their local teams.
FAQs About Bally Sports
1. Can I Watch Bally Sports Without Cable?
Yes! You can subscribe to Bally Sports+ or use streaming services like DirecTV Stream to watch Bally Sports.
2. Why Isn’t Bally Sports on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV removed Bally Sports because the two companies couldn’t agree on financial terms.
3. Is Bally Sports Available Nationwide?
No, Bally Sports only works in certain areas. It focuses on local teams, so it depends on where you live.
4. How Much Does Bally Sports+ Cost?
Bally Sports+ costs about $19.99 per month, but the price may change based on your location and promotions.
5. Does Bally Sports Show NFL Games?
No, Bally Sports does not have NFL games. Most NFL games air on CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN.
Final Thoughts
Bally Sports is an essential channel for fans who love watching their local teams. Despite some financial and streaming challenges, it remains a top source for MLB, NBA, and NHL games. If you want to keep watching your team, look at cable, satellite, and streaming options to see what works best for you.
