• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Yankees RSN, Comcast Reach Deal After FCC Pressure

The Yankees-led regional sports network and the No. 2 U.S. cable carrier reach an agreement that resolves, at least for now, rising tensions between the two. 

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The increasingly fractious YES Network-Comcast carriage dispute has been resolved, at least for now, as the two sides have agreed on a deal to continue distribution of the regional sports network on the No. 2 U.S. cable company. 

With just 90 minutes before the expiration of a late Monday night contract deadline, the Yankees-led YES Network and Comcast made a one-sentence joint statement that they “reached an agreement for continued distribution” in the New York area. Industry sources said the pact essentially maintains the status quo, with the RSN remaining on an expanded basic tier, while the deal framework is more of an extension than a reworked, long-term pact. 

Comcast had sought to place the YES Network on a more expensive premium tier, just as it has previously done with nearly two dozen other RSNs around the country, as it seeks to stem the tide of ever-rising sports programming costs. The YES Network, conversely, insisted on not be treated like any other network, and leaned heavily into its status as one of the most-watched RSNs in the business and its carriage of the Yankees.

Moving to the higher tier would have meant about an extra $20 per month for Comcast subscribers in the New York area to access the YES Network. 

Regulator Presence

A new wrinkle entered during the final 48 hours before the deal as the YES Network filed on Sunday a formal carriage complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, arguing that the Comcast proposal would relegate the RSN “to the Siberia of a tier and overcharge fans for it.” That move likely helped put the dispute on the radar of FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who posted on social media on Sunday that, “I would encourage a quick and favorable resolution for the benefit of everyone. The FCC does have authority to step in and address claims of discriminatory conduct.”

After the deal was reached late Monday, Carr then posted, “Going dark wouldn’t have been in anyone’s interest. Thank you to all involved for your good-faith efforts!”

The FCC does not have the power to force a cable or satellite distributor to carry a channel it doesn’t want, or a programmer to accept distribution on terms it has rejected. The commission, however, can impose fines and sanctions for improper negotiating tactics. Additionally, the prospect of the government entity getting involved in some fashion added a layer of further complexity to a situation that already had bruised both Comcast and the YES Network. 

The agreement will help keep the YES Network broadly distributed in the New York area as the Yankees look to defend their 2024 American League title.

On Tuesday, Yankees president Randy Levine issued a lengthy statement about the YES Network deal, primarily thanking an extensive list of political leaders ranging from U.S. President Donald Trump to state, county, and city officials in the New York area.

“Most importantly, we want to thank Yankees fans everywhere who showed their unwavering support and passion for keeping YES on the air. Your voices truly made a difference,” Levine said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.

Manfred Says New MLB Rights Deal ‘Replicated’ Money From ESPN Opt-Out

Rob Manfred spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.

Featured Today

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.