Two of the New York metropolitan area’s premier regional sports networks, YES Network and MSG Networks, are set to transition their direct-to-consumer streaming services to DAZN, a global sports streaming platform. This strategic move will see the networks discontinue their joint venture, the Gotham Sports app, which launched approximately two years ago. Fans will soon be able to stream local games for iconic teams such as MLB’s New York Yankees, the NBA’s New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, and the NHL’s New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres directly through DAZN.

The shift reflects a broader industry trend where regional sports networks are grappling with significant challenges, primarily driven by cord-cutting and the evolving landscape of media consumption. This migration is planned to occur gradually, with New York Yankees fans able to complete the current season on the Gotham app before the full transition takes place during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons. Notably, existing pay TV subscribers who receive access to YES Network or MSG Networks through their cable providers will be able to stream these games on DAZN at no additional cost. While specific pricing for the New York-area teams on DAZN has not yet been disclosed, previous Gotham Sports app subscriptions started around $209.99 annually.

The decision to partner with DAZN comes amidst a turbulent period for the regional sports network model. The industry has witnessed the shutdown of entities like Main Street Sports, a former owner of numerous RSNs, following bankruptcy and an inability to meet rights payments to teams. Although YES Network and MSG Networks, independently owned by groups including the Yankees and James Dolan (owner of the Knicks and Rangers, respectively), have not been directly embroiled in such financial turmoil, they have similarly felt the impact of declining traditional cable subscriptions. DAZN, a global entity actively seeking to expand its footprint in the U.S. market, has been strategically positioned to acquire streaming rights during this industry shake-up, having previously hosted events like the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. and expressed interest in digital rights for other major sports leagues. This marks another evolution for YES and MSG, which had previously launched individual apps before consolidating into Gotham.

Key Takeaways

• YES Network and MSG Networks are migrating their direct-to-consumer streaming services from the Gotham Sports app to DAZN.
• The move affects local game broadcasts for major New York-area MLB, NBA, and NHL teams, with a full transition expected by the 2026-2027 seasons.
• This shift highlights the ongoing challenges faced by regional sports networks due to cord-cutting and DAZN's growing role in acquiring sports streaming rights.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

This move underscores the severe pressure on traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) and the accelerating shift towards direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming models. Cord-cutting continues to erode the RSNs’ traditional revenue base, forcing them to seek new distribution partners and strategies. The consolidation of content onto platforms like DAZN could signal a future where sports rights are increasingly fragmented across a few dominant global streamers rather than numerous local providers.

For DAZN, this represents a significant win, bolstering its U.S. content portfolio with high-value local sports. It positions DAZN as a stronger contender in the competitive sports streaming market. For RSNs, it’s a survival strategy, leveraging established global platforms to maintain reach and revenue. We can expect more such partnerships or outright acquisitions as RSNs struggle to adapt. The challenge remains in balancing accessibility for fans (especially those without traditional cable) with sustainable business models for content creators. This trend could lead to a more complex and potentially more expensive viewing experience for fans, who might need multiple subscriptions to access all their desired sports content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are YES Network and MSG Networks moving to DAZN?
A: The move is primarily driven by the challenges facing traditional regional sports networks, including widespread cord-cutting, which has reduced their subscriber base. Partnering with a global streaming service like DAZN offers a new avenue to reach fans and adapt to changing media consumption habits.

Q: Which sports teams' games will be available on DAZN through this partnership?
A: The partnership will bring local game broadcasts for several major New York-area professional sports teams to DAZN, including MLB's New York Yankees, the NBA's New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, and the NHL's New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.

Q: When will the transition to DAZN be complete?
A: The full migration of YES Network and MSG Networks' streaming content to DAZN is expected to occur during the 2026-2027 NBA and NHL seasons. New York Yankees fans will be able to finish their current season on the existing Gotham Sports app.