After a prolonged blackout, Altitude Sports has returned to Xfinity TV, restoring access to Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games for millions of viewers across Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Arizona and Kansas. The agreement between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and Comcast represents a significant shift in regional sports broadcasting accessibility.
The deal offers multiple viewing options for fans. Xfinity TV subscribers can access Altitude Sports through the More Sports and Entertainment (MSE) package for $15.95 monthly, while internet-only customers can stream games via the Altitude+ app for $19.95 per month. The channel will be available on Xfinity channel 1250 in the Denver market.
This agreement carries substantial implications for regional sports broadcasting and fan accessibility. The resolution addresses a major pain point for Colorado sports fans who have been unable to watch their defending NBA champion Nuggets and recent Stanley Cup champion Avalanche on the region's largest cable provider.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the deal's significance, emphasizing its importance for fans wanting to witness star players Nathan MacKinnon and Nikola Jokić during their prime years. The agreement maintains existing free over-the-air broadcasts on 9NEWS and My20, ensuring widespread access to select games across all viewing platforms.
The return of Altitude Sports to Xfinity represents a crucial development in the evolving landscape of regional sports networks, which have faced increasing challenges in maintaining traditional cable distribution while adapting to changing viewer preferences and streaming options. This hybrid approach, offering both traditional cable and streaming options, could serve as a model for future regional sports network agreements.
