Comcast Xfinity Drops MSG Networks – Taking Away Hundreds of Knicks, Devils, Rangers and Islanders Games From New Jersey and Connecticut Fans

Rhea-AI Summary

MSG Networks has been dropped by Comcast from its Xfinity channel lineup in New Jersey and Connecticut, impacting fans of the New York Knicks, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. This decision comes just as the NBA and NHL seasons commence, depriving viewers of hundreds of live games. MSG Networks criticized Comcast for rejecting reasonable proposals while maintaining the same subscription rates, including a recent 22% increase in regional sports fees. Fans are urged to demand access to their teams via KeepMSG.com.

Positive

• MSG Networks has a long-standing history as the first regional sports network in the country, established in 1969.
• The network provides exclusive local coverage and award-winning programming for major tri-state area franchises.

Negative

• Comcast dropped MSG Networks from its lineup, limiting access to hundreds of live games.
• Subscribers continue to pay the same fees despite the loss of MSG Networks programming, which raises customer dissatisfaction.
• Comcast has rejected proposals consistent with deals made with other providers, limiting MSG's negotiation leverage.

For More Information, Please Visit KeepMSG.com

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Despite our best efforts to reach a new agreement, Comcast has chosen to drop MSG Networks from its Xfinity channel lineup (primarily in New Jersey and Connecticut) leaving devoted fans of the New York Knicks, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and New York Islanders in the lurch as the NBA and NHL seasons begin.

MSG Networks issued the following statement:

“Right when fans are looking forward to the start of the NBA and NHL seasons, Comcast dropped MSG Networks to try to force us to accept terms they’d never agree to for their own regional sports networks, including SNY in New York. They rejected proposals that are consistent with their current deal and deals we have with other major providers, as well as our offer to keep our programming on air under existing terms so we could continue to work on a longer-term agreement. And even though they’ve taken away hundreds of live Knicks, Devils, Rangers and Islanders games, they continue to charge Xfinity customers the same monthly rate -- in addition to a regional sports fee that they increased 22% in January to more than $10 per month. Comcast’s refusal to negotiate is deeply disappointing.”

Comcast’s actions rob New Jersey and Connecticut sports fans of hundreds of exclusive, live professional games, beginning with tonight’s Rangers / Devils preseason game. MSG Networks encourages fans to visit www.keepmsg.com to demand access to their teams and to learn how to switch to a provider that carries MSG Networks in their area.

MSG Networks is the only place where fans can watch exclusive local coverage of these storied franchises (Knicks, Devils Rangers and Islanders), as well as award-winning companion programming. MSG Networks debuted as the first regional sports network in the country in 1969 and has been serving dedicated sports fans in the tri-state area for decades. At the same time, another regional sports network, SNY, which is co-owned by Comcast, continues to run on Comcast Xfinity’s TV service without interruption.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211001005185/en/

Dan Schoenberg / 212-465-6367

dan.schoenberg@msgnetworks.com

Source: Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

FAQ

Why did Comcast drop MSG Networks?

Comcast dropped MSG Networks to force them to accept terms they wouldn't agree to for their own regional sports networks.

What impact does Comcast's decision have on MSG Networks?

The decision limits MSG Networks' viewers' access to hundreds of live games, including preseason games for the Rangers and Devils.

What should MSG Networks subscribers do after Comcast's decision?

MSG Networks encourages fans to visit www.keepmsg.com to demand access to their teams and learn about alternative providers.

What recent changes occurred in Comcast's regional sports fees?

Comcast increased regional sports fees by 22% in January to more than $10 per month, despite dropping MSG Networks.

When did Comcast drop MSG Networks from its lineup?

Comcast dropped MSG Networks just before the start of the NBA and NHL seasons.