MSG Networks is the latest regional sports network aiming to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service.
According to The Streamable, MSG Networks announced the plans during an earnings call with investors. The intention is to launch before the end of 2022. Executives said they expect to reach an agreement with the NBA and NHL for rights to their local telecasts.
The streaming service would be for in-market customers, serving not only metro New York, but outer regions of New York in addition to parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
MSG Networks’ announcement follows news of plans by Sinclair, NBC Sports, and Marquee Sports Network (owned by the Chicago Cubs and Sinclair) to launch their own direct-to-consumer streaming services.
As The Streamable’s Jason Gurwin points out, MSG Networks has been in a carriage dispute with Comcast since last fall. So a DTC service would allow viewers in the New York market and nearby regions to get MSG and MSG+ outside of a cable provider.
MSG also currently offers MSG GO as a streaming option, but viewers need a TV provider account to access the service. Right now, customers can get MSG Networks through fuboTV and DIRECTV STREAM, but have to sign up for those full services.
MSG Network executives would not divulge on what the monthly fee would be for a streaming service. Sinclair is reportedly eyeing a $20 price for a monthly subscription and Marquee is looking at an $18 fee, while NBC Sports hasn’t determined a fee as it’s still in the very early stages of planning.
Ian Casselberry is a sports media columnist for BSM. He has previously written and edited for Awful Announcing, The Comeback, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation. You can find him on Twitter @iancass or reach him by email at iancass@gmail.com.
