GAME, a joint venture formed by two regional sports network companies, is set to launch The Gotham Sports App this fall, consolidating Yankees baseball, Knicks basketball, and Rangers hockey into a single platform.
This initiative marks a significant change in the business models for regional sports networks in the nation’s largest TV market. The YES Network and MSG Networks are collaborating on the new app, which will bring all of their live games and programming together under one umbrella.
The YES Network, which broadcasts the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, and MSG Networks, which covers the New York Knicks and Rangers, plan to debut the app ahead of the NBA and NHL seasons this fall.
Users can choose a subscription to either YES or MSG+ for $24.99 or $29.99 per month, respectively, or opt for the “Gotham Package,” which includes both for $41.99 per month. Pay-TV subscribers will be able to access the app at no additional cost.
Gotham Sports represents a major shift in the way regional sports networks (RSNs) handle streaming. While some RSNs, like YES and MSG, have launched standalone streaming services, others, such as Diamond Sports, have pursued broader streaming coverage. Gotham unifies multiple RSNs in the New York market, simplifying the streaming experience for sports fans.
Earlier this year, YES and MSG Networks announced their partnership to create Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME), a streaming-focused company that will also support other RSNs. The Gotham Sports App is the first product from this joint venture.
Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO of MSG Networks, stated, “We are excited through GAME to bring New York area fans their favorite teams in one state-of-the-art app. With the increased fragmentation of outlets carrying fan-favorite sports programming, The Gotham Sports App provides a single, convenient access point for New York area sports events from MSG Networks and YES Network.”
Jon Litner, CEO of YES Network, added, “The new Gotham Sports App will use GAME’s top-tier technology to enhance the fan experience, offering the best in New York sports in one place. The app, free to authenticated customers of our distributors, will serve as a central digital hub for our programming services and for fans of some of the most iconic teams in sports.”
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