Yankees, Knicks, Nets and Rangers to Stream In One App In New Joint Venture

In a move that shakes up the business models for regional sports networks in the biggest TV market in the country, YES Network and MSG Networks will launch a new app called The Gotham Sports App that brings together all of their live games and programming under one umbrella.

YES — the TV home of The New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets — and MSG Networks — the home of the New York Knicks and Rangers — will launch the app this fall prior to the debut of the NBA and NHL seasons.

Users will have the option to subscribe to either YES or MSG+ in the app for $24.99 or $29.99 per month respectively, or can subscribe to both through the “Gotham Package” for $41.99 per month. Pay-TV subscribers will have access to the app for no extra charge.

Gotham Sports is a major shift in how RSNs operate in streaming. Thus far, some RSNs (including YES and MSG) have launched their own standalone streaming services, while others (like Diamond Sports) have tried to launch streaming across their footprint. Gotham effectively brings together multiple RSNs in the New York market to try and work on a streaming option together, giving sports fans less complexity.

YES and MSG Networks announced earlier this year that they would partner in a JV to launch Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME), a streaming-centric company that would also provide support to third-parties (like other RSNs). The Gotham Sports App is the first product to come out of that JV.

“We are excited through GAME to bring New York area fans their favorite teams in one state-of-the-art app,” said Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO of MSG Networks. “With the increased fragmentation of outlets carrying fan favorite sports programming, The Gotham Sports App allows fans of our teams one easy access point for New York area sporting events from MSG Networks and the YES Network.” 

“The new Gotham Sports App will deploy GAME’s best-in-class technology to deliver a greatly enhanced fan experience, showcasing the best in New York sports all in one place,” added Jon Litner, CEO of YES Network. “The app, which will be free to our distributors’ authenticated customers, will provide one convenient digital destination for our programming services and for fans of some of the most iconic teams in all of sports.”