During an intense playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, Jalen Brunson, donning jersey #11, was on the move, driving energetically toward the basket. This thrilling event unfolded on May 6, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, a prime spot in New York City known for hosting significant basketball battles.
For fans of the New York Knicks who subscribe to Altice USA’s Optimum cable service, there’s good news—live games are back on screen. MSG Networks and Altice USA, the fourth-largest cable provider in the country, have struck a deal that brings back not just the Knicks, but also the NHL’s New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils. This agreement arrives just in time for fans eager to watch the Rangers and Sabres face off at 5:30 PM Eastern Time.
Both companies expressed their satisfaction with the new arrangement through a joint statement: “MSG Networks and Altice USA are thrilled to announce the return of MSG Networks to the Optimum video lineups. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked together to forge this agreement benefiting our fans and Optimum subscribers.”
While the exact details of the agreement haven’t been disclosed, a source familiar with the matter mentioned that the deal allows Altice USA to offer MSG Networks through its “Everything TV” package. This package is priced at $140 monthly for both new and existing customers, offering a more comprehensive channel lineup. For those looking to cut costs, Altice USA also provides skinnier bundles excluding sports channels.
Interestingly, Altice USA will now incur a lower carriage fee for MSG Networks compared to previous terms, as noted by an insider. Despite this insight, representatives from both Altice USA and MSG Networks opted not to add anything beyond their official statement.
Prior to this new agreement, Altice USA had not carried MSG Networks since January 1. Like many pay-TV operators, Altice USA has been keen on negotiating terms that allow them to tier regional sports networks. This strategic move aims to control costs and provide more flexible options for cable TV subscribers.
