In a major shift for sports broadcasting, YES Network and MSG Networks are exiting their joint Gotham Sports venture to bring major New York team coverage to DAZN.

Key Takeaways

  • YES and MSG Networks are exiting the Gotham Sports joint venture.
  • Major teams like the NY Yankees, NY Knicks, and NY Rangers will migrate to DAZN.
  • The full transition is expected during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons.
  • Existing pay TV customers will be able to stream games on DAZN at no extra cost.

The landscape of regional sports broadcasting is undergoing a seismic shift. The YES Network and MSG Networks have announced their intention to exit their joint venture, the Gotham Sports app. Instead, they are pivoting toward a partnership with DAZN, a global leader in sports streaming services.

This move ensures that local fans of iconic teams—including MLB's New York Yankees, NBA's New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, and NHL's New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils—will eventually find a new digital home. While Yankees fans can complete the current season on Gotham, the comprehensive migration is slated to occur during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this decision is a direct response to the industry-wide 'cord-cutting' trend. The traditional Regional Sports Network (RSN) model is facing severe existential pressure. Following the bankruptcy of entities like Main Street Sports, networks are aggressively seeking direct-to-consumer paths to reach fans who no longer subscribe to expensive cable bundles.

The migration to global streaming giants like DAZN marks the end of the localized cable monopoly and the beginning of a borderless digital sports era.

For consumers, the transition offers a mixed bag of convenience. While pricing for the new DAZN era has not been finalized, pay TV customers who already access these networks via cable providers will be able to stream the games on DAZN for free. This strategic alignment allows DAZN to solidify its footprint in the highly lucrative U.S. sports market.

Historical Background

The journey to this point has been turbulent. YES and MSG originally launched independent apps in 2023, which were later merged into the Gotham Sports app in 2024. This latest move to DAZN represents a strategic retreat from a localized joint venture toward a more robust, global distribution infrastructure.

Did You Know?: DAZN has been rapidly expanding its U.S. presence, having previously served as the streaming home for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I have to pay extra if I already have cable?
No, pay TV bundle customers who have access to these networks through their provider can stream on DAZN for free.

2. When will the games officially move to DAZN?
The full migration is expected to take place during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons.