In a move that could shake up the business model for regional sports networks in the country's largest television market, YES Network and MSG Network are set to launch a new app called “The Gotham Sports App” that will bring all their live games and programming together in one place.
YES, the television home of the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, and MSG Networks, home of the New York Knicks and Rangers, plan to launch apps this fall ahead of the start of the NBA and NHL seasons.
Users can subscribe to either YES or MSG+ within the app for $24.99 or $29.99 per month, or subscribe to both through the “Gotham Package” for $41.99 per month. Pay-TV subscribers can access the app at no extra cost.
Gotham Sports marks a significant change in how RSNs operate streaming. To date, some RSNs (such as YES and MSG) have launched their own standalone streaming services while others (such as Diamond Sports) have attempted to launch streaming across their footprint. Gotham will effectively consolidate multiple RSNs in the New York market and reduce complexity for sports fans by collaboratively developing streaming options.
YES and MSG Networks announced earlier this year that they were forming a joint venture to create Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME), a streaming-focused company that would also provide support for third parties (as well as other RSNs). The Gotham Sports App is the first product to come out of the venture.
“Through GAME, we're excited to bring New York-area fans their favorite team in one cutting-edge app,” said Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO of MSG Network. “With media outlets broadcasting fans' favorite sports programming becoming more fragmented, the Gotham Sports app gives fans of our teams easy access to New York-area sporting events across MSG Network and YES Network through one access point.”
“The new Gotham Sports app deploys GAME's best-in-class technology to deliver a significantly enhanced fan experience, showcasing the best of New York sports in one place,” added John Ritenour, CEO of YES Network. “The app is available free of charge to verified customers of our distributors, providing one convenient digital destination for our programming offerings and fans of the most iconic team in sports.”