Altice USA (Optimum) Has Dropped MSG Networks, Depriving Local Fans of Hundreds of Live, Exclusive Games of Their Favorite Teams
MSG Networks has been dropped from Altice USA's Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area, affecting coverage of Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games.
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Rhea-AI Summary
MSG Networks has been dropped from Altice USA's Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area, affecting coverage of Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games. Despite MSG Networks offering multiple proposals, including terms to pay less than last year and maintaining service during negotiations, Altice rejected all offers.
Altice has significantly increased its pricing, with current Optimum subscribers facing a nearly 50% price increase (from $95 to $140/month) for the Core TV package, while new subscribers face up to 70% higher rates ($160/month) for packages that previously included MSG Networks. MSG Networks claims they offered Altice the same terms accepted by other major providers.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Loss of MSG Networks content from Optimum's channel lineup
- 50% price increase for current Optimum subscribers (from $95 to $140/month)
- 70% price increase for new Optimum subscribers (up to $160/month)
- Failed negotiations despite multiple proposals
Details
News Market Reaction – SPHR
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Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils Coverage on MSG Networks is Dark for Optimum Subscribers
For More Information, Please Visit KEEPMSG.COM
MSG Networks issued the following statement:
"As a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers, Altice is trying to charge their customers more and give them less. They just raised prices – nearly
In addition:
- The previous Optimum Core TV package – which included MSG Networks and includes other sports channels – increased from
$95 $140 50% increase. - Now, following Altice's introduction of its new packages just a few weeks ago, the most "affordable" new package that had offered MSG Networks prior to the drop is
$160 70% more than what Optimum customers paid before. - MSG Networks offered Altice the same fair and reasonable terms that other major providers accepted. And now Altice's own customers are paying the price to bolster Altice's bottom line with dramatic price hikes and unreasonable proposals to programmers.
- Optimum subscribers are encouraged to visit KEEPMSG.COM for more information, including on how switch providers or to find other options for watching MSG Networks' award-winning programming.
- NBA and NHL telecasts appearing on MSG Networks regularly rank as some of the most-watched cable programs in the region.
About MSG Networks
MSG Networks, a 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), that serve the nation's number one media market, the New York DMA, as well as other portions of
Contact: Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)
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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.
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