Wed Jan 01 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Knicks and Rangers Games Could Go Dark on Optimum as Contract Dispute Looms

**New York, NY** – New Year’s Day could bring a bitter surprise for many New York sports fans. A contract dispute between Optimum and MSG Networks threatens to black out Knicks and Rangers games starting Wednesday, as negotiations over carriage fees remain stalled.

The current deal, expiring at midnight Tuesday, sees Optimum paying MSG Networks $10 per subscriber, according to a source close to the situation. Optimum, serving roughly one-third of the 3 million subscribers in the New York City area, seeks to lower this fee.

MSG Networks countered with a revised offer, allowing Optimum to move MSG from its basic tier to a premium package, requiring subscribers to pay extra for access. However, Optimum has not publicly responded to this latest proposal.

Optimum claims MSG is demanding “exorbitant programming fees,” which could increase customer bills. MSG, in turn, accuses Optimum of implementing significant price hikes—nearly 50% for existing subscribers and 70% for new ones—for packages including MSG Networks, even while threatening to cut access.

The blackout impacts not only Knicks and Rangers fans but also Islanders and New Jersey Devils fans, as MSG Networks broadcasts their games as well. The situation is particularly problematic for Optimum customers, as many lack access to alternative providers like Verizon Fios. Their only recourse to watch MSG during a blackout would be through Gotham Sports, a streaming service costing $29.99 per month. The potential for a New Year’s Day Knicks game blackout has left fans scrambling for solutions. As of press time, a resolution remains elusive.

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