Altice USA (Optimum) ousts MSG Networks, denying local fans hundreds of live, exclusive games of their favorite teams Investing.com

Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils coverage included MSG Networks (NYSE: It’s dark for Optimum Subscribers

For more information visit KEEPMSG.COM

NEW YORK, January 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Despite MSG Networks’ extensive efforts to reach an agreement, Altice USA gave up MSG networks from its Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area, leaving avid fans of the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils out in the cold this winter.

MSG networks issued the following statement:

“As a last ditch effort to save their failing business at the expense of subscribers, Altice is trying to charge their customers more and give them less. They have just raised their prices “almost 50% for current Optimum subscribers and 70% for new Optimum subscribers (after the promotional offer expires) for the included package MSG networks ” and cut off access to the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and others on MSG Networks. We offered Altice a number of fair and reasonable proposals that required Altice to pay us less than last year. Altice rejected them all, including our offer to keep it MSG networks on the air while we continued to try to reach an agreement. We remain ready to negotiate in good faith.”

In addition:

• The previous Optimum Core TV package “ which included MSG networks and includes other sports channels “ increased from 95 dollars to 140 dollars/month, an increase of almost 50%.
• Now, after Altice unveiled its new packages just a few weeks ago, the “most affordable” new package it offered MSG networks before it falls 160 dollars/month ” which is almost 70% more than what Optimum users were paying before.
• MSG networks offered Altice the same fair and reasonable terms accepted by other major service providers. And now Altice’s own customers are paying the price of increasing Altice’s bottom line with dramatic price increases and unreasonable proposals to developers.
• Optimum subscribers are encouraged to visit KEEPMSG.COM for more information, including how to change service providers or find other viewing options MSG Networks’ award-winning programming.
• NBA and NHL telecasts appearing on MSG networks are regularly ranked among the most watched cable programs in the region.

About MSG networks

MSG networksa pioneer in sports media, owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks (MSG and MSG Sportsnet) and MSG+, a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming offering (included in the Gotham Sports App), serving the nation’s number one media market, the New York DMA , as well as other parts New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local matches and other programming New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabresas well as significant coverage New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse range of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG networks as the gold standard in regional sports. MSG networks is a part Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR).

Contact: Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)