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What began as strange bedfellows among former New York–area sports rivals has grown into an even larger partnership, one with potential industry influence beyond the country’s largest media market.
The Yankees-controlled YES Network and MSG Networks, which in January struck a joint venture based on streaming technology, have expanded that deal to form a new streaming app combining programming from both regional sports networks.
The newly formed Gotham Sports app, set to debut this fall before the start of the NHL and NBA regular seasons, will include both the YES app and MSG+, representing a particularly unique bundling of separate RSNs services in a single market. The product will include live games for the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, Nets, and Sabres. Normal broadcast territorial rules for the various teams and leagues will still apply.
The pact marks a material enlargement of Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME), the digital joint venture involving the Steinbrenner family who owns the Yankees and a controlling interest in YES Network, and James Dolan, MSG’s executive chairman. Even with the two ownership groups’ considerable resources and placement in the unrivaled size of the New York area, accelerating levels of disruption in the RSN industry across the country are helping prompt new levels of thinking and different strategies.
Some entities have chosen to leave the RSN world altogether, such as Warner Bros. Discovery and an increasing number of pro teams spanning multiple sports. In the case of YES Network and MSG+, that accelerating change means working even closer together.
When GAME was initially formed, live game rights were not included, but the deal included a pathway for the type of larger collaboration now happening. The platform will be supplemented by other features such as live stats and a fan loyalty program.
“With the increased fragmentation of outlets carrying fan-favorite sports programming, the Gotham Sports app allows fans of our teams one easy access point for New York–area sporting events,” said Andrea Greenberg, MSG Networks president and CEO.
Price Breaks
The Gotham Sports app will be available for both authenticated TV subscribers at no additional cost. But for direct-to-consumer purchasers, the new product will allow for significant savings compared to the stand-alone prices of the YES app and MSG+.
The combined platform will cost $41.99 per month, compared to the individual prices of $24.99 for the YES app and $29.99 for MSG+. An annual purchase of the Gotham Sports app will be $359.99, while the YES app by itself is $239.99 and MSG+ costs $279.99.
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