Bay Area sports enthusiasts using Comcast Xfinity experienced a sudden shift in their television packages. This change impacts their ability to watch local teams including the Golden State Warriors San Jose Sharks and San Francisco Giants . Comcast provided minimal advance notice to subscribers about this alteration.
NBC Sports Channels Shifted from Popular Package to More Expensive Ultimate Package with Little Warning
On Monday morning Comcast notified its Bay Area customers through email about moving NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California to a higher priced tier. These channels which broadcast games for the Sacramento Kings in addition to Bay Area teams were previously part of the "Popular" package. They are now part of the "Ultimate" package which costs more. The announcement was also posted on the local channels' website around 3:15 p.m. on the same Monday.
Immediate Impact on Sports Viewers as Channel Move Takes Effect Tuesday January 14 2025
This change became effective on Tuesday January 14 2025. Subscribers with the "Popular" package could watch the Warriors game on Monday but lost access to subsequent games. This includes a Sharks game on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings and a Warriors game on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sacramento subscribers are also affected losing access to Kings games starting with Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks for those on the "Popular" package.
Subscribers Must Upgrade to Ultimate Package Resulting in Approximately $20 Monthly Increase
To continue watching these teams like Bay FC and the A's subscribers need to upgrade to the "Ultimate" package. This upgrade adds about $20 to their monthly bill in the Bay Area. This news quickly generated negative reactions from Giants and Warriors fans on platforms like Reddit and X.
Comcast Defends Decision Claiming Majority of Sports Fans Already on Ultimate Package
SFGATE contacted Comcast the owner of Xfinity and a primary owner of the NBC sports channels in the Bay Area. A Comcast spokesperson granted anonymity stated that internal data suggests most sports viewers will not be affected. According to this spokesperson most viewers of NBC Sports Bay Area and California already subscribe to the "Ultimate" package. Furthermore a significant portion of "Popular" package subscribers do not watch sports channels at all. Comcast will remove the regional sports fee from the "Popular" package while shifting the cost for sports content to sports fans on the "Ultimate" package.
Regional Sports Network Fees and Shifting Business Models in Television
The regional sports network fee has been a point of contention in discussions about television consumption. Historically cable subscribers have been charged RSN fees regardless of their interest in sports. Non-sports fans have expressed displeasure with this practice.
Industry Expert Highlights Changing RSN Landscape Due to Streaming Era
John Ourand a prominent sports business reporter noted that RSNs were once highly profitable cable channels. However streaming services have provided cable companies an avenue to cater to non-sports fans potentially at the expense of sports fans. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the changing model in a San Francisco Chronicle report from December 20 2024.
RSN Business Model Vulnerable as Cable Distribution System Evolves
Manfred stated that RSNs benefited uniquely from the cable distribution system. As this system changes RSNs become more vulnerable. This shift by Comcast can be viewed as a consequence of these broader industry changes. However the minimal notice given to customers remains a point of criticism.
Cost Increase Significant for Fans Wanting to Watch Local Sports Teams on Cable
For fans wanting to watch teams like the Giants next season remaining with Comcast Xfinity will mean a considerable increase in monthly expenses. The move of NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California to the "Ultimate TV" tier effectively adds roughly $50 per month to cable bills for local sports fans. While non-sports viewers on lower tiers will save on the regional sports fee those wanting to watch local sports must now pay substantially more for a higher cable package.
Broader Trend of RSN Issues and Cable Providers Adapting to Cord-Cutting
This situation reflects wider issues in the relationship between regional sports networks and major sports leagues. The bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group owner of Bally Sports in early 2023 impacted broadcasters for 27 MLB NBA and NHL teams. Disputes between regional networks and distributors have also limited fan access to games in various markets for years. As more consumers move away from traditional cable cable providers are seeking to compensate for lost revenue.
Xfinity Ultimate TV Package Includes Additional Channels Beyond NBC Sports
The Xfinity "Ultimate TV" tier does offer more than just NBC Sports channels. It includes league networks like NFL NBA NHL and MLB along with other sports and general entertainment channels. However the price increase is directly linked to maintaining access to local sports broadcasts for Comcast subscribers in the Bay Area and Sacramento regions.