NYC Sports Fans Left in the Dark: Optimum vs. MSG Feud

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-11-19T024939Z_1855049072_MT1USATODAY24795456_RTRMADP_3_NBA-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS.jpg?w=1200" alt="OG Anunoby Knicks">

A major cable dispute has plunged many New York sports fans into darkness. Optimum, owned by Altice USA, and MSG Networks are locked in a battle over fees, leaving Optimum subscribers unable to watch Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games.

The Heart of the Matter: Exorbitant Fees?

Optimum claims MSG is demanding "exorbitant fees" that would significantly increase customer bills. They also argue that MSG wants to force all Optimum subscribers to pay for MSG channels, even those uninterested in sports. Optimum asserts they won't let MSG "force our customers to pay more than they can afford" and points to alternatives like the MSG+ app.

MSG's Counterargument: Fair Offers Rejected

MSG Networks refutes Optimum's claims, stating they made "fair and reasonable" offers to Altice, which were rejected. They accuse Altice of a "price gouge" while simultaneously raising prices for customers by 50% (existing) and 70% (new) for packages including their channels. MSG emphasizes their channels are highly viewed in the New York metro area.

A War of Words: Conflicting Statements

While MSG claims Altice's actions are a price hike, Optimum counters that less than a quarter of subscribers who receive MSG Networks experienced a rate increase. The dispute continues, leaving fans in the lurch.