Sports
YES, MSG Networks to launch Gotham Sports App showing Yankees, 5 other New York teams
For New York fans, the Yankees, Knicks, Nets and all the area NHL teams will be available on one service as YES and MSG Networks will launch the Gotham Sports App.
The move has been anticipated since the two networks formed a joint venture called Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME). While fans will still be able to access YES and MSG through cable and satellite providers, GAME will allow those without cable to see all six teams, counting the Rangers, Islanders and Devils, under one roof.
The Mets and SNY are not involved, as they do not have a direct-to-consumer product.
Gotham Package will be priced at $41.99 per month or $359.99 per year. YES’ app currently costs $24.99 per month or $239.99 annually, while MSG+ is $29.99 per month or $279.99 annually. MSG+ also offers single games for $9.99.
The Gotham Sports App will only be available to fans who fall in the cable footprint of YES and MSG, which are in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It will start before the Knicks and Nets’ seasons.
The joint venture is all part of the re-bundling of services to try to cope with fewer cable subscribers that have been the lifeblood of regional sports networks for decades. ESPN, Fox Sports and TNT Sports have teamed up for a national version called Venu Sports, but that is currently held by a court injunction.
One difference between Gotham and Venu, fans can subscribe to Gotham but just choose MSG+ or YES at the regular price without the other entity.
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(Photo: Chris McGrath / Getty Images)