Comcast has largely remained undefeated in its quest to shift regional sports networks from its basic cable tiers to more premium and expensive options. However, a recent strategy temporarily kept the YES Network on Comcast’s basic tier. Last month, Comcast and YES Network agreed to a medium-term extension, ensuring that the New York-area network remains part of Xfinity’s expanded basic cable offering through at least the end of the current baseball season, thanks to YES Network leveraging its political connections.
According to reporting from Puck’s John Ourand, New York Yankees president Randy Levine utilized his close ties with the Trump administration to persuade Comcast to maintain YES Network’s airtime under existing terms. Throughout last month’s carriage negotiations, it was apparent that FCC chair Brendan Carr was closely monitoring the discussions.
I’m aware that the YES Network could soon get dropped from Comcast systems.
I would encourage a quick and favorable resolution for the benefit of everyone.
The FCC does have authority to step in and address claims of discriminatory conduct. pic.twitter.com/QtuqS5fGTp
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 30, 2025
In his short tenure at the FCC, Carr has already opened inquiries involving ABC, CBS, and Comcast-owned NBC News. The current administration has not hesitated to pursue legal recourse regarding perceived unfavorable media coverage. Aware of larger issues at stake than the tiering of one regional sports network, Comcast decided to postpone further conflict with YES Network and, by extension, the Trump administration; Levine even publicly thanked Trump after the extension was secured.
Unfortunately for Comcast, another regional sports network appears to be following YES’s strategy. On Thursday, Carr announced he met with Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, regarding the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
Appreciated the chance to visit with Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf today.
Enjoyed the discussion! pic.twitter.com/ahC3bw0XYk
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) April 10, 2025
Since launching last year, CHSN, which features broadcasts of the White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, has struggled to secure a carriage agreement with Comcast, leaving the network unavailable for many in the area. Reinsdorf appears to be attempting to lobby Carr for similar public pressure on Comcast to negotiate a deal for CHSN, much like with YES Network. However, a significant difference is that CHSN has never had a carriage deal with Comcast, leaving no prior agreement to reference, unlike YES Network. If Carr shows interest in CHSN’s situation as he did with YES, it will be intriguing to see whether Comcast’s stance changes. Would they consider accepting a less favorable deal with CHSN to mitigate potential fallout from the Trump administration?
Time will tell, but this situation will certainly challenge the extent to which Comcast is willing to yield to political pressure.
