For sports enthusiasts, the question of whether a provider carries Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports is often the deciding factor in choosing a television service. If you are a subscriber or considering signing up for DirecTV or DirecTV STREAM, here is everything you need to know about your access to these networks.
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The Current Status of Bally Sports on DirecTV
The short answer is yes, DirecTV continues to carry Bally Sports networks. Through a multi-year carriage agreement between DirecTV and Diamond Sports Group, subscribers of the satellite service and the streaming platform maintain access to regional baseball, basketball, and hockey games.
Which Packages Include Bally Sports?
Access to Bally Sports is not available in the entry-level programming tiers. To catch your local team’s games, you generally need to subscribe to higher-tier packages. Specifically, for both the satellite service and DirecTV STREAM, you typically require:
- CHOICE Package
- ULTIMATE Package
- PREMIER Package
These tiers are designed to include the RSNs relevant to your specific geographic location. If you live within a team’s broadcast territory, these channels should appear in your lineup automatically based on your zip code.
Key Considerations for Subscribers
Regional Restrictions
Bally Sports networks are Regional Sports Networks. This means you only receive the specific regional channel that serves your home area. For instance, if you live in Georgia, you will receive Bally Sports South or Southeast to watch the Braves. You cannot typically request a Bally Sports channel from a different region unless you use the out-of-market sports add-ons, which function differently.
Streaming vs. Satellite
There is a distinct difference between how the two services handle these channels. On DirecTV STREAM, the RSNs are tied to your package level and cannot be added à la carte. If your chosen package does not include the RSNs, there is no “add-on” to purchase to get them specifically. You must upgrade your base package.
Using the Bally Sports App
If you have an eligible DirecTV subscription, you can often authenticate your account within the official Bally Sports app. This allows you to watch games on mobile devices or smart TVs even if you are away from your main living room television. Always ensure your provider is selected as “DirecTV” during the login process.
Why Does This Matter?
Many cord-cutters have faced uncertainty as various providers have dropped RSNs due to high carriage fees. DirecTV has remained one of the most reliable options for fans who do not want to miss live local action. By maintaining these multi-year deals, they provide a level of stability that other streaming-only platforms have struggled to offer.
- Verify your zip code to see which Bally Sports channel serves your area.
- Ensure you are subscribed to at least the CHOICE package.
- If you are not seeing the channel, restart your receiver or streaming app to refresh the channel lineup.
- Use your DirecTV credentials to log into the Bally Sports app for additional viewing flexibility.
By staying informed about your package requirements, you can ensure that you never miss a game. Whether you are following professional baseball, basketball, or hockey, DirecTV remains a premier choice for dedicated local sports fans across the country.
