Yankees Games Threatened by Comcast Dispute as Fans Face Blackout

BRONX, N.Y. — New York Yankees fans subscribing to Comcast‘s Xfinity cable service may find themselves unable to watch their team’s games this season due to an ongoing contract dispute. The YES Network, the official regional sports network for the Yankees, could be blacked out in parts of New Jersey and surrounding regions if negotiations between the two parties fail to yield a resolution.

The contract talks follow the expiration of a temporary carriage fee agreement at the end of last year. Comcast’s plan to shift the YES Network to a higher-priced digital tier is a major point of contention, as the network seeks to ward off any moves that would adversely impact its revenue.

YES Network also serves as the cable television home for the Brooklyn Nets and has recently resisted similar moves that resulted in price increases for viewers. For instance, fans in New England faced a $20 increase to their monthly bills after a shift from Xfinity’s basic cable to a digital tier for NESN.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul publicly urged both sides to engage in good-faith negotiations to avoid customer disruption. “Both broadcasting parties need to stay at the table and resolve this dispute without impacting fans,” Hochul said. “Fans should never be caught in the crossfire of a corporate dispute.”

State Senator Paul Sarlo echoed Hochul’s concerns, noting that a price hike for YES would disproportionately affect middle-class fans in a region noted for its passionate baseball following. “A price hike would impose a costly burden on loyal, middle-class fans,” Sarlo said, asserting the need to maintain YES services at more affordable rates.

Despite the threat of a blackout, there is still hope for resolution. A spokesperson for YES expressed optimism, stating, “We are not going to turn off our signal, and we hope Comcast will not take us off its lineup.”

The continued discussions remain crucial as Thursday’s season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers will air nationally on ESPN, while Saturday’s game on YES could be impacted by the ongoing dispute.

Fans looking for alternatives can consider the Gotham Sports app, which offers YES Network coverage for $24.99 per month. Meanwhile, Hochul has previously intervened during similar disputes, indicating that her office is attentive to the needs of local viewers. Recently, an agreement was reached in a similar standoff that affected 1 million subscribers in the New York area.

The YES Network is majority-owned by the New York Yankees, who regained control after a purchase from Disney in 2019, with minority stakes held by Amazon and Sinclair Broadcast Group. Insiders warn that as companies push towards digital distribution, fans may encounter more disruptions fueled by corporate strategy shifts. In 2015, YES Network experienced a blackout that affected approximately 900,000 Comcast subscribers, with service not restored until 2017.