What Channel Is Bally Sports on DISH Network? Complete Guide for Sports Fans

If you’re a sports fan who follows your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team, you’ve probably run into one big frustration — you can’t find Bally Sports on DISH Network.

For years, fans across the U.S. have asked the same question:

“What channel is Bally Sports on DISH Network — and why can’t I find it anymore?”

Unfortunately, the short answer is that *Bally Sports is no longer available on DISH Network. The two companies have been in a contract dispute since **July 2019, when DISH dropped all *Fox Sports Regional Networks (now Bally Sports) from its channel lineup.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explain:

• What Bally Sports is
• Why DISH doesn’t carry Bally Sports anymore
• The history behind their dispute
• Alternatives for watching your favorite local teams
• How to stream Bally Sports without cable

Let’s break it all down.

1. What Is Bally Sports?

Bally Sports is a group of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) across the United States. These channels broadcast local sports coverage — including MLB, NBA, NHL, and college teams.

The network was originally known as Fox Sports Regional Networks until it was rebranded as Bally Sports in 2021, after a deal between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Bally’s Corporation (a casino and gaming company).

Main Bally Sports Channels:

Each region has its own Bally Sports network:

• Bally Sports Midwest
• Bally Sports North
• Bally Sports South
• Bally Sports Florida
• Bally Sports Detroit
• Bally Sports West
• Bally Sports Wisconsin
• Bally Sports Ohio

Each of these networks covers local professional teams — for example:

• Bally Sports Midwest airs St. Louis Cardinals and Blues games.
• Bally Sports Detroit shows Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings games.
• Bally Sports South covers the Atlanta Braves, Hawks, and Predators.

So, for regional sports fans, Bally Sports has been the go-to channel for hometown teams for decades.

2. Does DISH Network Have Bally Sports?

🚫 No. DISH Network does not carry Bally Sports.

As of today, Bally Sports is not available on DISH Network in any region of the U.S.

This has been the case since July 26, 2019, when DISH Network dropped all 21 Fox Sports regional networks (which later became Bally Sports).

The removal happened after a carriage dispute between DISH Network and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns Bally Sports.

3. What Happened Between DISH and Bally Sports?

To understand why Bally Sports disappeared from DISH, let’s go back to the beginning.

2019 – The Contract Dispute Begins

In mid-2019, DISH’s contract with Fox Sports Regional Networks expired. Negotiations for renewal broke down over carriage fees — the cost DISH pays to broadcasters to carry their channels.

DISH claimed that Sinclair’s asking price was too high, arguing that regional sports networks were losing viewership due to rising streaming alternatives.

As a result, DISH decided to drop all RSNs from its lineup, including:

• All Fox Sports regional channels
• YES Network
• Marquee Sports Network (temporarily)

2021 – Bally Sports Rebrand, But Still Off DISH

In 2021, Fox Sports RSNs officially rebranded as *Bally Sports. However, this *did not affect the dispute. DISH and Sinclair still could not reach a new agreement.

2022–2025 – Continued Blackout

As of now, there has been no progress or agreement between the two companies. DISH CEO Charlie Ergen has publicly stated that regional sports networks “don’t make economic sense” under the traditional pay-TV model.

That means Bally Sports remains unavailable on DISH Network — for over 5 years and counting.

4. Why DISH Dropped Bally Sports

Here are the main reasons why DISH Network dropped Bally Sports and hasn’t brought it back:

High Carriage Fees

Sinclair (Bally’s owner) reportedly demanded high per-subscriber fees for carrying its regional networks. DISH refused to pay, saying most subscribers shouldn’t bear costs for channels they don’t watch.

Declining Viewership

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) have seen reduced viewership as streaming grows. DISH argues that local sports fans are a niche group compared to the total subscriber base.

Shift to Streaming Models

DISH is pivoting towards *sling-based and streaming models, believing direct-to-consumer services like *Bally Sports+ make traditional carriage less relevant.

Business Model Differences

DISH wants flexible, cheaper programming bundles. Bally Sports wants broad distribution to fund local sports rights. This conflict keeps negotiations frozen.

5. What Channel Was Bally Sports On DISH Before It Was Dropped?

Before being dropped in 2019, Fox Sports Regional Networks (now Bally Sports) appeared on different channel numbers depending on your location.

These numbers are no longer active, and you’ll see “channel not available” if you try tuning in today.

6. Can I Get Bally Sports Back on DISH?

Sadly, not at the moment.

Unless DISH and Bally Sports (Sinclair) reach a new agreement, Bally Sports will remain off the DISH lineup.

However, there are alternatives to watch the same games — through streaming or other providers.

7. Best Alternatives to Watch Bally Sports Without DISH

Option 1: Bally Sports+ (Official App)

The most direct alternative is the Bally Sports+ streaming service, which lets you stream local teams live.

Price:

• $19.99 per month or $189.99 per year

Pros:

• Watch your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team live
• No cable or satellite required
• Works on mobile, Roku, Fire TV, and web

Cons:

• Limited to local region
• No national channels like ESPN

Option 2: DIRECTV STREAM (Choice Plan)

DIRECTV STREAM is currently the only live-TV streaming service that carries Bally Sports in most regions.

Price: Around $108.99/month
Includes: Bally Sports channels + ESPN + FS1 + TNT + more

Pros:

• Full sports coverage (local + national)
• Unlimited DVR
• Reliable stream quality

Cons:

• Expensive
• Regional restrictions still apply

Option 3: FuboTV

FuboTV has reintroduced select Bally Sports networks in certain regions.

Price: Starting at $79.99/month
Pros:

• Good mix of sports networks
• Excellent for MLB, NBA, and NHL fans
  Cons:
• Not all regions include Bally Sports
• No TNT channel

Option 4: Use a VPN (for Travelers)

If you’re traveling but still want access to your home Bally Sports network, a VPN can help bypass regional restrictions.

⚠ However, note that this must comply with local laws and service terms.

8. Is Bally Sports Ever Coming Back to DISH?

As of 2025, there’s no confirmed plan for Bally Sports to return to DISH Network.

DISH CEO Charlie Ergen has repeatedly said that regional sports networks *don’t fit DISH’s model, and the company prefers *a la carte or streaming alternatives.

However, given Bally Sports’ financial restructuring (after Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy in 2023), future partnerships may still be possible once the company reorganizes its deals and reduces carriage costs.

In short:

Never say never — but for now, the chances are low.

9. What This Means for Sports Fans

If you’re a local sports fan using DISH Network, the loss of Bally Sports means you’ll miss out on live broadcasts of your hometown teams.

While national games (ESPN, TNT, FS1) are still available on DISH, most local games — especially MLB and NBA — are not.

Fans have two choices:

1. Keep DISH for other programming and add Bally Sports+ for local games, or
2. Switch to a streaming provider like DIRECTV STREAM that includes Bally Sports.

10. FAQs – Bally Sports and DISH Network

Q1: What channel is Bally Sports on DISH Network?
Bally Sports is not available on DISH Network. It was removed in 2019 and has not returned.

Q2: Why did DISH drop Bally Sports?
Due to a dispute over carriage fees and differing business models between DISH and Sinclair (Bally’s owner).

Q3: Can I watch Bally Sports with a DISH subscription using the app?
No. The Bally Sports app requires a *participating TV provider login, and DISH is *not listed as one.

Q4: Is Bally Sports coming back to DISH anytime soon?
There is no official announcement or ongoing negotiation publicly confirmed.

Q5: What’s the cheapest way to watch Bally Sports now?
The Bally Sports+ app ($19.99/month) is the most affordable direct alternative.

11. Final Thoughts

In 2025, Bally Sports is still not available on DISH Network, and there’s no sign of an immediate return.

The ongoing standoff between DISH and Sinclair Broadcast Group continues to frustrate sports fans — especially those who rely on regional channels to watch their favorite teams.

But the good news is that streaming services like *Bally Sports+, **DIRECTV STREAM, and *FuboTV now make it easier than ever to follow local games without needing cable or satellite.

Until DISH changes its stance or Bally Sports adjusts its pricing, your best option is to stream Bally Sports directly or switch to a provider that supports it.

Because when it comes to local sports, missing out is not an option for true fans. ⚾🏀🏒