Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a response from MSG Networks addressing Optimum’s December 30 statement.
As of January 1, Optimum cable subscribers no longer have access to MSG Network.
It’s a major blow to New York sports fans, as the network carries some of the biggest teams in the area, among them the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks, who are currently on a nine-game winning streak.
The network also broadcasts New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games.
However, there are alternatives for those still needing to get their sports fix.
Why did Optimum subscribers lose MSG Network?
Optimum subscribers lost access to MSG Network on January 1, when the cable provider’s contract with the network expired before a renewal deal was signed.
“MSG Networks is demanding exorbitant programming fees – which could raise our customers’ cable bills,” Optimum said in a statement on Monday, December 30.
“This is a pure and simple price gouge from Altice. An attempt to add over $10 dollars a month right to their bottom line — a $10 dollar rate increase on top of a 50% rate increase,” MSG Networks told The Post today in response. “We remain ready to negotiate in good faith to get our programming back on Optimum.”
The two sides have remained far apart since, and it seems that subscribers may face a long drought without MSG Network.
Which streaming services include MSG?
Of the live TV streaming services out there, DIRECTV Stream and fuboTV are two notable ones that include MSG Networks (and its larger family of channels) in at least one subscription plan.
How to watch MSG Network for free without cable:
DIRECTV Stream and fuboTV both have free trials that allow users to watch live TV for free.
To get MSG, you’ll have to subscribe to DIRECTV’s Choice plan, which costs $94.99/month for your first three months after a five-day free trial.
fuboTV offers a seven-day free trial before payments begin. MSG is included in fuboTV’s Pro plan. fuboTV costs $79.99/month.
If you are outside of the US or unable to watch MSG Network in your region, consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Whether you’re traveling or living abroad, using a VPN allows you to stream live TV and your favorite shows and movies using your usual streaming services, without any restrictions. A VPN lets you change the IP address on your device so that you can access your favorite apps and websites whether you’re in the UK, Canada, Mexico, or anywhere in the world.
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Which providers do not include MSG?
Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Philo are some of the live TV streaming services that do not include MSG in any available plans.
Does YouTube TV have MSG?
No, YouTube TV does not have MSG.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews