MSG Networks has finally reached a deal with the fourth-largest U.S. cable provider to bring back the NHL’s New York Rangers.
After months of negotiations, MSG Networks and Optimum have reached an agreement, ending a standoff that disrupted sports fans. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her satisfaction, saying, "After 52 days in the penalty box, New York sports fans will finally be able to watch the Knicks, Rangers and Islanders again." This followed public pressure from the governor, who supported consumers throughout the dispute. The new arrangement includes three service tiers: Entertainment TV, Extra TV, and Everything TV. The latter will feature MSG and other sports channels, such as the YES Network and SNY.
“MSG Networks and Altice USA today are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement for the relaunch of MSG Networks on Optimum video lineups,” the companies said in a statement. “MSG Networks and Altice USA would like to thank everyone for their patience as we partnered to reach this new agreement to benefit our fans and Optimum subscribers.”
Specific terms of the agreement weren’t released. The deal gives Altice USA the option of moving MSG Networks onto its “Everything TV” tier for new and existing customers, which costs $140 per month, according to a person familiar with the matter. Altice USA now offers skinnier bundles that don’t include sports for less money.
Altice USA is paying a smaller carriage fee for MSG Networks than it previously had paid, according to a person familiar with the contract. Spokespeople for Altice USA and MSG networks declined to comment beyond the statement.
Altice USA hasn’t carried MSG Networks since Jan 1. Pay TV operators such as Altice USA have taken a hard stance to gain flexibility to tier regional sports networks as a way to keep costs down for cable TV subscribers.
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) February 22, 2025
Service was restored in time for the Rangers vs. Sabres game on Saturday, the Blueshirts first game following the break in play due to the 4 Nations Face-Off. MSG Networks' deal with the fourth-largest U.S. cable provider also brings back the NBA’s New York Knicks and the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.