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Sports business insider: A path still exists for Avalanche and Nuggets game broadcasts on Altitude Sports to return on Comcast after a five-year cable TV blackout.

Short version: Comcast spokeswoman Leslie Oliver, in a statement to The Denver Gazette, said: “Comcast remains open to proposals from Altitude that would put consumers and fans first and allow us to make the games available on our platforms. We want this matter resolved in a way that reflects the changing consumer video market.”

Long version: Altitude TV, a Stan Kroenke-owned regional sports network (RSN), has not been available on Comcast since 2019 due to a contract dispute. Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) in March named Kevin Demoff the president of team and media operations. Demoff said: “It’s possible that we could wind up doing a streaming product, and it’s possible we could wind up doing something over-the-air. It’s hopeful that we could try to find a deal with all the cable providers.”

Altitude Sports is currently available on DirecTV and FuboTV.

In Colorado, there are zero RSN channels on Comcast’s regular level of video service after Pac-12 Network and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain dissolved. Those subscribers no longer pay an RSN fee. Comcast offers an “ultimate” package with access to Rockies games on the MLB’s streaming service that includes up to a $9.75 RSN fee during the season, Oliver said. Comcast has not closed the door on Altitude Sports. But the embattled RSN must adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape to reach more fans.

Key context: Forward-thinking NBA and NHL franchises are bypassing the traditional RSN model with team-specific streaming services and over-the-air (OTA) options for local TV game broadcasts. The New Orleans Pelicans will reportedly broadcast the “vast majority” of their 82 regular-season games OTA on Gray Television. The Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks have both partnered with a streaming service called Victory+ that is expected to debut Wednesday for their local game broadcasts. The list keeps growing.

Altitude Sports is behind the RSN revolution despite five years without local Avalanche and Nuggets games on the state’s largest cable provider. Instead, KSE filed an antitrust lawsuit against Comcast that was later settled without a contract resolution. KSE also collected fan signatures and used advertising campaigns to apply public pressure on Comcast. Those efforts failed. Matt Hutchings, the president of KSE media ventures from 2013-24, resigned in February.

Looking ahead: The Denver Gazette requested comment from KSE in July on its progress toward widening distribution of Avalanche and Nuggets games for the 2024 season.

Demoff said: “Ensuring our fans can watch their favorite teams remains my highest priority. As the local sports media landscape evolves rapidly, we are studying every possibility to deliver for our fans.”

KSE did not issue a public statement this week when contacted again by The Denver Gazette.

But it is now a matter of when — and not if — the day comes when Nuggets and Avalanche games on Altitude Sports are more easily accessible for Colorado sports fans. Expect a possible subscription fee for team-specific streaming. Comcast and OTA options are possible. But will anything happen before Oct. 9 for the Avalanche season opener? The Denver Gazette sports business insider will keep you in the loop.