The blackout impacting New York Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and New Jersey Devils fans started after the current contract expired at midnight on Dec. 31 The post MSG Networks Goes Dark on Altice USA’s Optimum Amid Contract Dispute appeared first on TheWrap.

With cord-cutting and the decline of the pay TV industry already wreaking havoc on regional sports networks, analysts at Lightshed Partners say the blackout of MSG Networks on Altice USA’s Optimium systems could push MSG Networks into bankruptcy, making it the latest casualty of declining RSN ecosystem.

"We are disappointed in MSG Networks, but most importantly, sorry that our customers have to experience this change..."

MSG Networks, the regional channel that airs local games for New York teams including the Knicks, went dark for Altice USA's Optimum cable TV customers.

New York-area fans of the Knicks, Rangers, Devils and Islanders who pay for Optimum's TV service have started 2025 without access to their favorite teams.

MSG Networks, part of the Sphere Entertainment (SPHR), announced that Altice USA (ATUS) has dropped MSG Networks from its Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area. “As a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers,

Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils fans are losing access to games in the tri-state area as MSG and Optimum clash over pricing and programming.

New York-area subs lose access to Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils coverage after companies were unable to ink a new carriage deal

Altice USA’s Optimum cable customers lost access to MSG Networks on Wednesday amid a fee dispute between the cable operator and James Dolan’s regional sports channels. The blackout affected NBA and NHL games as negotiations broke down over fees and channel availability requirements.