Updated: Comcast vs. Yes Network: Will the Blackout Happen Tonight? (Answer: No)

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, the Comcast and Yes Network fight has me crazy. When will this get done? – Jim, town withheld.

Jim, Comcast and the Yes Network are still negotiating a new carriage agreement, but both the New York Post and Front Office Sports are reporting that the current temporary pact is set to expire at 11;59 p.m. ET tonight (Thursday, March 27, 2025.) If a new deal is not signed by then, the cable operator, which serves viewers in parts of New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, could lose the regional TV home of the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets.

Update: Front Office Sports reports the two sides have signed another extension, this one to “at least 11:59 p.m. on March 31.“

What’s Driving the Comcast-Yes Network Dispute

Sportico has reported that the two sides are warring over Comcast’s insistence on moving the Yes Network from the Popular programming package to the Ultimate plan which is $20 more expensive. The RSN (regional sports network) opposes the move because it would reduce its carriage fees. (Carriage fees are based on the number of subscribers who have access to the channel.)

Why Comcast Wants Yankee Fans to Pay More For Yes Network

However, Comcast has successfully negotiated the switch to the higher tier with other RSNs including MASN, NESN and Root Sports. The cable operator is looking to reduce subscriber RSN fees in the lower packages as well as save in carriage fees. Comcast believes that subscribers who really want the sports channels should pay extra while those who do not should not have to.

The TV Answer Man will continue to monitor this industry battle and will report back here if anything significant changes. Tonight’s deadline is particularly important because the Yes Network’s first broadcast of a 2025 Yankees game will be Saturday. ESPN will televise the team’s opening day game today.

Jim, hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe.

Have Questions? Ask The TV Answer Man!
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service, or new TV technology? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

Phillip Swann

Who Is The TV Answer Man?
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch  TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.