Comcast and Yes Network Reach New Deal; Blackout Averted

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

Comcast and the Yes Network last night announced that they have reached a new carriage agreement, avoiding a blackout of the regional sports network in the cable operator’s markets in parts of New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Yes Network is the regional TV home of the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets.

Yes Network Not Moving to Higher Tier

The two sides did not reveal the terms of the new deal but it would appear that the Yes Network will stay in Xfinity TV’s expanded basic package rather than move to a more expensive programming package.

The cable operator had sought the switch, but the Yes Network resisted because it would have meant a reduction in its carriage fees. TV programmers are paid based on the number of subscribers who have access to their channels. Comcast previously negotiated a move to higher tiers with other RSNs including NESN, MASN and Root Sports.

The FCC Gets Involved In Comcast vs. Yes Network

The dispute first surfaced when New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement last week calling for the two companies to settle. Soon, other area officials implored Comcast and the Yes Network to reach a new deal as well as FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr who implied his agency would take an unspecified action against them if they didn’t. With the political heat rising, the companies settled last night just an hour before the current temporary deal was set to expire.

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Phillip Swann

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