YES Network is adopting an unconventional approach in its negotiations with Comcast. The regional sports network, home to the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets, is set to go dark on Comcast cable systems at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday due to an ongoing carriage dispute. Comcast is demanding that YES Network shift to a more expensive, premium tier on its Xfinity cable systems, while YES Network is pushing to remain on a less costly, expanded basic cable tier. This ongoing conflict has become a common issue between many regional sports networks and pay TV providers.
On Sunday, YES employed a unique strategy to rally fan support. During the Yankees’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers, YES Network CEO Jon Litner joined the broadcast to sharply criticize Comcast’s negotiation tactics, urging fans to call the cable provider to push for a resolution. However, some of Litner’s claims about Comcast were easily debunked. He stated, “I just want to come on and explain to our great fans who watch the Yankees on Comcast/Xfinity what Comcast has told us will happen to the YES Network tomorrow night at midnight. Despite our attempts to negotiate, Comcast has refused to engage. They have informed us that they will drop the YES Network from their programming lineup at midnight.”
YES Network CEO Jon Litner joins the Yankees broadcast to throw Comcast under the bus amid a carriage dispute. ⚾️📺🎙️ #MLB https://t.co/d98E2WII3a pic.twitter.com/77JwY6gOGl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 30, 2025
Litner argued that Comcast provides preferential treatment to its own regional sports networks, such as SNY, over those it does not own. He claimed, “Comcast is demanding that YES move to a more expensive, digital package costing you, its loyal customers, $20 more per month. Meanwhile, Comcast keeps their own networks, including SNY, in a less-costly package, a bullying tactic that hurt MSG Networks a few years ago.” While Litner’s narrative might resonate with fans unaware of Comcast’s practices, it doesn’t hold up against facts. Comcast has placed many of its wholly-owned NBC Sports regional networks in higher, more expensive tiers, as recently as January, debunking claims that Comcast treats its networks differently from others.
Despite this, Litner persisted in trying to sway public opinion against Comcast, encouraging fans to voice their frustrations. He said, “Fans should call Comcast and urge them to negotiate—or contact their elected officials. Alternatively, they can switch to other distributors who value the Yankees and YES Network.” Such public appeals are common during carriage disputes, but Litner’s approach during an actual game broadcast is less typical. With the Monday deadline looming, it doesn’t look promising for a quick agreement. Meanwhile, Yankees fans dependent on Comcast can subscribe to the team’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, Gotham Sports, for $24.99 per month.
