MSG NETWORKS OFFERS BINDING ARBITRATION BY NEUTRAL THIRD PARTY TO RESOLVE ISSUE WITH ALTICE

Rhea-AI Summary

MSG Networks has proposed a solution to its ongoing dispute with Altice USA by offering binding arbitration through a neutral third party. The company aims to prevent Optimum subscribers from missing more Knicks, Rangers, Devils, and Islanders games. MSG Networks has suggested a short-term extension of their current agreement while the arbitration process takes place, which would allow viewers to continue watching sports programming during the dispute resolution.

Positive

• Proactive approach to dispute resolution showing willingness to negotiate
• Proposed solution could prevent subscriber loss and maintain revenue stream
• Short-term extension offer maintains service continuity

Negative

• Ongoing carriage dispute affecting revenue and viewership
• Current service interruption for Optimum subscribers
• Uncertain outcome of arbitration could impact future revenue

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MSG Networks released the following statement about their dispute with Altice USA:

"Our goal is to make sure our Knicks, Rangers, Devils, and Islanders fans who are Optimum subscribers don't have to miss another game. To that end, we are willing to agree to a short extension tied to resolving our dispute through binding arbitration by a neutral, third party. This will enable Optimum subscribers to watch their favorite sports programming while we resolve our outstanding issues."

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 New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse array of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG Networks as the gold standard in regional sports. MSG Networks is part of the Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR).

Contact: 
Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)

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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.

FAQ

What solution has MSG Networks proposed to resolve its dispute with Altice?

MSG Networks has proposed binding arbitration by a neutral third party, along with a short-term extension of their current agreement while the arbitration process takes place.

Which sports teams' broadcasts are affected by the MSG Networks-Altice dispute?

The dispute affects broadcasts of Knicks, Rangers, Devils, and Islanders games for Optimum subscribers.

Will Optimum subscribers be able to watch MSG Networks during the arbitration process?

If the proposal is accepted, Optimum subscribers would be able to watch MSG Networks programming during the arbitration process through a short-term extension.

What is the current status of MSG Networks programming on Optimum?

Based on the press release, MSG Networks programming is currently unavailable to Optimum subscribers due to the ongoing dispute.