By Hank Russell
It has been almost a week and Altice USA and MSG Networks are no closer than they were before. In an effort to speed up the negotiation process, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and New York State Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (D-Valley Stream) are calling on both sides to hammer out a deal as soon as possible.
On January 1, local sports fans who are Optimum customers — Optimum is owned by Altice USA — were disappointed to learn that their favorite teams would be locked out because Optimum stopped carrying MSG Network, as well as MSG Sportsnet and MSG+. (MSG+ is also part of the Gotham Sports Network app.) MSG Networks carries games from the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils.
Both sides accused the other of greed. In a press release, Optimum accused MSG Networks of “stalling” and trying to force the customers who do not watch the network to pay for it. “MSG Networks demanded that customers who don’t watch their content — who are the majority — have to pay for it anyway AND demanded that all customers pay an exorbitant amount in fees to carry its content.”
For those who wish to see the games, alticeUSA directed them to the Gotham Sports app. In addition, the cable operator is working on other ways subscribers can watch the games, including helping to defray or offset the costs in subscribing to the app. “We have a comprehensive toolkit of options to take care of our customers to ensure they get what they want based on their unique circumstances,” the company said.
MSG Networks, in turn, accused Altice of “trying to charge their customers more and give them less,” calling the move “a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers.” According to MSG, existing Optimum customers are paying 50% more for their service while new customers who were offered a package that included the local three sports channels will pay 70% more after the promotional offer ends; worse, they will not receive MSG Networks.
The cable sports network claimed they made various offers in which Altice would pay MSG Networks less than last year and MSG would allow the channels to continue airing during the negotiations, but Altice rejected all offers. “We remain ready to negotiate in good faith,” MSG stated.
Solages, the Assembly’s deputy majority leader, said in a statement she was “deeply concerned” about this impasse. “This dispute not only affects passionate sports fans, but also undermines the sense of connection that these teams bring to families and communities across our state. I strongly urge both parties to return to the negotiating table and work collaboratively to find a fair resolution.”
“Sports are more than just games —- they are a unifying force in our community, bringing together friends, families, and neighbors to celebrate the athletic achievements of the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and other iconic teams,” Blakeman added. “The moments create lifelong memories and are an integral part of our shared identity as New Yorkers.”
Blakeman also said that Nassau County residents “deserve uninterrupted access to this vital programming, which enhances our quality of life and strengthens the connection between our local sports teams and their loyal fan base. I am confident that, with mutual commitment and collaboration, Altice USA and MSG Networks can reach an agreement that prioritizes the interests of their customers and fans.”