Yankees fans subscribe to Comcast's Xfinity cable television service are at risk of missing out on team games this season due to a contract dispute that blacked out the YES network before the start of the season.
Yes, the regional sports network that serves as a television home for Bronx bombers may not be available in some Xfinity systems in New Jersey and other nearby markets Late Thursday night, late at night After the expiration of the temporary shipping fee agreement between the two parties.
Negotiations began after the original transaction expired at the end of last year. A talk is underway on Comcast's plan to shift yes to the expensive digital layer.
Yes, this is also the official cable TV home in Brooklyn Net, and is resisting moving to paid tiers as it will negatively affect revenue.
A similar recent change involving Boston's NESN added about $20 to their monthly subscriber bills for New Englanders who have moved from Xfinitiy's basic cable to the digital layer. Customers who remained in the basic tier and refused to switch to the more expensive tier received $13 in credits to their account.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul publicly intervened on Tuesday, urging both sides to negotiate in good faith.
“Both broadcasters need to stay at the table and resolve this dispute without affecting their fans,” says Hochul.
“Fans shouldn't get caught up in the crossfire of corporate conflicts.”
Xfinity has a large footprint that includes areas that span Philadelphia and New Jersey, but also maintains a very small pocket of customers in the Hudson Valley area, just south of Poughkeepsie. According to the coverage map generated by cabletv.com.
New Jersey Sen. Paul Sarlo reflected Hochul's sentiment and highlighted the financial burden on local audiences.
A “yes” price hike would “pose a costly burden on loyal middle-class fans in areas of passionate supporters,” Sarlo warned, calling on comcast to maintain Jesus in the more affordable classes he is today.
However, power outages may still be avoided.
A Yes spokesman expressed optimism in a statement to Sportico, saying, “We are not going to turn off the signal and we hope Comcast doesn't remove us from its lineup.”
Even if the interruption occurs, the home opener for Thursday's brewers will air nationwide on ESPN, but Saturday's game on Yes could be affected.
Fans looking for alternatives will consider subscribing to the Gotham Sports app and offer network coverage of $24.99 per month.
Hochul threatened to intervene during a recent conflict between Altis' optimal cable system and the Madison Square Garden Network after a million subscribers in the New York metropolitan area were blocked from viewing Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils games.
The two sides reached an agreement last month. A representative of Comcast declined to comment.
Yes Network is majority owned by the Yankees, who regained control in 2019 after leading the acquisition from Disney. The minority shares are held by Amazon and Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Historically, Comcast has taken a firm stance during conflicts where cordcuts dramatically changed the way they watch TV.
In 2015, the Yes Network lost power due to approximately 900,000 Comcast subscribers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, delaying the restoration of services until 2017.
The blackout did not significantly harm Comcast's overall subscriber base at the time.
