Knicks and Rangers Fans Face Blackout Threat in MSG-Optimum Dispute
Contract negotiations over carriage fees between MSG Networks and Optimum could leave millions without access to local NBA and NHL games starting at midnight.
- MSG Networks and Optimum, owned by Altice, are in a standoff over carriage fees, with the current contract set to expire at midnight on December 31, 2024.
- Optimum serves about one-third of the 3 million cable subscribers in the New York City area and is pushing to lower the $10-per-subscriber fee it currently pays to MSG Networks.
- MSG Networks has proposed allowing Optimum to move its channels to a premium tier, but Optimum has criticized the network for demanding what it calls 'exorbitant programming fees.'
- If no agreement is reached, Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games will no longer be available to Optimum subscribers, disrupting access during the middle of the NBA and NHL seasons.
- MSG Networks is encouraging fans to consider its streaming option, Gotham Sports, which offers direct-to-consumer access to games for $29.99 per month.
New York Post 
The Hollywood Reporter 
