MSG Networks and Optimum finally reached an agreement after an ongoing dispute that kept coverage of local sports teams off cable channels for nearly two months, both companies announced on Saturday.
Both MSG Networks and Optimum released a joint press release about the deal on Feb. 22.
“MSG Networks and Optimum would like to thank everyone for their patience as we partnered to reach this new agreement to benefit our fans and Optimum subscribers,” the press release stated.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who on Feb. 5 wrote a letter to Optimum’s owner, Altice USA, urging the company to refund customers impacted by the channel blackouts, applauded the deal.
“I’m pleased that the parties have come to an agreement, and I’ll always step up and speak out to ensure New Yorkers are treated fairly,” she said.
Neither company released specific terms of the agreement. But Optimum customers will have MSG once again, picking up where they left off on Dec. 31.
Optimum’s chairman and CEO Dennis Mathew said the provider is focused on giving customers “flexibility and value” when choosing their desired content. He added that the company does this “while offering customers more options than ever” with new and innovative TV services designed with their “unique viewing needs” in mind.
“We will continue to work with programming partners that are willing to join us in advocating for choice, value, and flexibility while placing customers at the center of all we do in today’s ever-evolving TV ecosystem,” he said.
Weeks of ‘corporate bickering’
The blackout of MSG channels started on Jan 1. It resulted from contract disputes between the network and provider, with much finger-pointing taking place over fees. The MSG channels that were blocked out featured exclusive coverage of New York sports teams, including the Knicks, Rangers and Islanders, as well as the New Jersey Devils.
Throughout the dispute, several local politicians and officials stepped into the ring to resolve the issues that were keeping tri-state area sports fans from seeing their hometown games—even though they paid for the coverage.
“Optimum customers have paid for channels to watch their home sports teams, but their cable company is not offering these channels while charging them anyway,” James said in her Feb. 5 letter. “I am determined to secure a solution for New Yorkers who have had to endure these unfair blackouts, and I urge Optimum and MSG to reach a deal so that New Yorkers can watch their home teams.”
On Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul applauded the agreement that lifts Empire State sports fans out of the penalty box after being inside of it for 52 days.
“This long-overdue step comes after I directed the Department of Public Service to call for public hearings on how consumers are being shortchanged by weeks of corporate bickering,” she said. “I’m going to keep fighting like hell for New York consumers no matter which team they root for.”
