UPDATED MSG NETWORKS STATEMENT ON ALTICE DISPUTE

Rhea-AI Summary

MSG Networks has issued a statement regarding its ongoing negotiations with Altice USA. The company expressed appreciation for Governor Hochul's involvement in ensuring local sports fans' access to MSG Networks' programming. MSG Networks stated they remain prepared to either negotiate with Optimum or enter binding arbitration to restore their games to the air immediately.

Positive

• Company shows willingness to resolve dispute through negotiation or arbitration
• Government intervention (Governor's involvement) may help expedite resolution

Negative

• Ongoing service disruption affecting revenue and viewer base
• Unresolved carriage dispute with major cable provider impacting distribution

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MSG Networks released the following statement about ongoing negotiations with Altice USA:

"We applaud Governor Hochul's engagement and ensuring local sports fans have access to MSG Networks' programming. We remain ready to negotiate with Optimum or enter binding arbitration to immediately bring our games back on the air."

To read the press release from Governor Hochul, click here.

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 is the current status of MSG Networks' dispute with Altice USA?

MSG Networks is currently in a carriage dispute with Altice USA, with programming off air. The company has stated they are ready to either negotiate with Optimum or enter binding arbitration to resolve the situation.

How is Governor Hochul involved in the MSG Networks and Altice dispute?

Governor Hochul has become engaged in the dispute to help ensure local sports fans maintain access to MSG Networks' programming.

What options has MSG Networks proposed to resolve the Altice dispute?

MSG Networks has proposed two options: direct negotiations with Optimum or entering binding arbitration to restore their programming.

When did MSG Networks' programming go off air on Altice's Optimum?

While the exact date is not specified in the press release, the statement indicates that MSG Networks' programming is currently off air on Optimum's platform.