The New York Knicks are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory, but sadly, many fans in New York have been unable to watch them. MSG Networks, the Knicks’ television home, went dark on Altice USA’s Optimum cable systems at the beginning of the year, leaving a significant portion of the team’s fan base without a way to watch games through their usual pay-TV provider. This blackout has left a notable NBA voice feeling frustrated.
Mike Breen, the lead NBA play-by-play announcer for ESPN and MSG, is disheartened that New York fans are deprived of watching such a promising team. In a conversation with Newsday’s Neil Best, Breen expressed, “I just feel awful for them. They’ve waited all this time for a team like this, and now they can’t see the games. Growing up, I was a Knicks fan, so I understand the emotions and the rollercoaster ride that comes with being a fan of a team. To have this being a thrilling ride right now and not be able to watch it, I couldn’t imagine…I’m hoping, clearly, that something gets done and they can get back to watching their favorite team.”
Optimum serves as the pay TV provider for about one-third of New York households subscribing to cable or satellite packages, equating to roughly one million customers unable to watch Knicks games due to this situation. In an attempt to resolve the issue, MSG Networks recently proposed third-party arbitration, which Optimum dismissed as a “PR stunt.” Perhaps Mike Breen’s public support for a resolution could help expedite things, though New York fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
