Baseball fans especially Yankees faithful get ready for some nail-biting off-field drama. Your YES Network access on Comcast might be in serious trouble! A major standoff between YES and Comcast is brewing and it could mean you might miss out on watching the Bronx Bombers . Let's break down what is happening why it matters and what it means for you trying to catch every pitch and home run this season.
Comcast and YES Network in a Major League Standoff: Blackout Looms Just Before Opening Day
So here is the deal. The contract between YES Network which broadcasts Yankees games and Nets games and Comcast a huge cable provider is expiring soon. Like real soon. If they don't reach an agreement like super fast YES Network could go dark for Comcast subscribers. That's a blackout people! And not just anywhere but in the New York area the biggest media market in the whole country.
Both sides are talking they have even had some short extensions to keep chatting but they are reportedly far apart. The main sticking point? Comcast wants to put YES Network on a more expensive cable tier . This is part of a bigger move by Comcast to shift around regional sports networks or RSNs to pricier packages. They have done this with other networks already. But YES Network is not just any RSN it is a powerhouse especially for Yankees fans.
If YES goes dark the first Yankees game affected would be a home game against the Brewers. Opening Day itself is on ESPN so that game is safe. But still missing any Yankees games especially early in the season? Nobody wants that.
Deja Vu? YES Network and Comcast Have a History of Carriage Battles (and Blackouts!)
This is not the first time YES Network and Comcast have gone head-to-head. They have a bit of a history of carriage disputes. Back in 2015 YES Network actually went dark on Comcast for a long time like from November 2015 all the way to March 2017. That was a lengthy blackout that left many fans in the dark for over a year.
Comcast also has an ongoing fight with MSG Networks another New York area RSN. MSG which is partners with YES on the Gotham Sports app has been off Comcast since 2021. These carriage battles are becoming more common in the sports TV world. Cable companies and networks are fighting over how much networks should cost and where they should be placed in channel lineups.
Politicians Get Involved: Governor Hochul Urges YES and Comcast to Play Ball
This YES Network and Comcast situation is serious enough that even politicians are getting involved. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged both sides to get back to the table and make a deal. She said fans should not be caught in the middle of this kind of corporate fight.
Governor Hochul even hinted at taking further action if things are not resolved. This could include public hearings refunds for subscribers who lose YES Network and "whatever else it takes." Politicians getting involved shows just how important YES Network is to the New York area especially with the Yankees being such a beloved team.
Comcast's RSN Strategy: YES Network Just the Latest Target?
Comcast's move to potentially tier YES Network is not happening in a vacuum. It's part of a larger strategy by Comcast to reposition regional sports networks. They have been moving RSNs to more expensive premium tiers all over the country. Other networks like Mid-Atlantic Sports Network SportsNet Pittsburgh Root Sports Northwest and Altitude Sports have already been affected.
Comcast's position seems pretty firm. They want to put RSNs on higher tiers and are willing to play hardball to make it happen. For YES Network this tiering issue is a major point of contention. They do not want to be moved to a pricier package which would mean fewer viewers could access their channel and games.
What Can Yankees Fans Do? Gotham Sports App Could Be a Backup Plan
So what if the worst happens and YES Network goes dark on Comcast? Are Yankees fans totally out of luck? Not quite. There is the Gotham Sports app which is a joint streaming service from YES and MSG Networks.
The Gotham Sports app offers a couple of options. You can get the full app which includes YES and MSG for a monthly price. Or if you just want Yankees games you can choose a YES-only option for a lower monthly fee. It is not ideal if you already pay for cable but it could be a good backup plan if the Comcast blackout happens.
Will Cody Bellinger's Yankees Debut Be Blacked Out? Timing is Everything
The timing of this dispute is pretty bad for Yankees fans. It's happening right as baseball season is starting and everyone is excited to see the new-look Yankees including new center fielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger is ready to start his Yankees journey and fans are eager to watch him play in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium.
Wouldn't it be a bummer if fans couldn't even watch his debut games on TV because of a carriage dispute? Hopefully YES Network and Comcast can reach a deal before any games are actually blacked out. Yankee fans are passionate and they deserve to see their team play especially with Opening Day right around the corner.
Key Takeaways for Yankees Fans Facing a Potential YES Network Blackout:
- Blackout Threat is Real: YES Network could go dark on Comcast if a deal isn't reached soon.
- Opening Day Week at Risk: Games after Opening Day are in danger if blackout happens.
- Comcast Wants Tier Change: Comcast wants to move YES to a pricier package.
- History of Disputes: YES and Comcast have fought before and had a long blackout in the past.
- Gotham Sports App is Option: Consider the Gotham Sports app as a streaming alternative if needed.
- Political Pressure is On: Governor Hochul is urging a resolution but outcome uncertain.