Yankee fans face blackout as Opening Day nears amid contract feud between YES and cable giant

New York Post - Mar 26th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Yankees fans are facing a potential blackout of their team's games on the YES Network due to a contract dispute with Comcast's Xfinity. The conflict arose after a temporary carriage fee agreement expired, and negotiations stalled over Comcast's move to shift YES to a higher-priced digital tier. This change could increase costs for subscribers, similar to a recent pricing shift involving Boston's NESN. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and NJ State Sen. Paul Sarlo have urged both parties to resolve the disagreement without impacting fans, who are caught in the middle of this corporate standoff. The YES Network, also home to the Brooklyn Nets, is resisting the change to maintain affordability for its viewers.

Despite the standoff, there is still hope for a resolution. A YES spokesperson expressed optimism, stating they do not intend to cut the signal, and they hope Comcast will keep the channel in its current lineup. If an agreement is not reached, fans can still watch Thursday's home opener against the Brewers on ESPN, although Saturday's game might be affected. Alternatives include the Gotham Sports app, which offers YES Network coverage for a monthly fee. The YES Network is majority-owned by the Yankees, with Amazon and Sinclair Broadcast Group as minority stakeholders. Comcast has a history of firm negotiations, as seen in past disputes with YES Network, but the company has not yet commented on the current situation.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a timely and relevant issue, providing a comprehensive overview of the contract dispute between Comcast's Xfinity and the YES Network. It presents multiple perspectives, including those of the network, political figures, and subscribers, although it lacks a direct response from Comcast. The story is well-structured and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the stakes involved. However, it could benefit from more detailed information on the negotiation terms and the financial implications for subscribers. By including more specific data and responses from all parties involved, the article could enhance its accuracy, balance, and overall impact. Despite these areas for improvement, the article remains a valuable resource for readers interested in the intersection of sports, media, and consumer rights.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes the ongoing contract dispute between Comcast's Xfinity and the YES Network, which threatens to black out Yankees games for subscribers. It correctly notes the expiration of a temporary carriage agreement and the stalled negotiations over moving YES to a higher-priced tier. This claim is supported by previous similar disputes, such as the one involving NESN. However, the article could benefit from more specific details on the regions affected by the blackout and the exact financial implications for subscribers. The mention of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's intervention and the historical context of past blackouts adds credibility, though the article should confirm the precise terms of the expired agreement and the current negotiation status.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including those of the YES Network, Comcast, and political figures like Gov. Hochul and State Sen. Paul Sarlo. It highlights the financial concerns of subscribers and the network's resistance to increased costs. However, while the story includes statements from YES Network and government officials, it lacks a direct response from Comcast, potentially skewing the narrative towards the network's viewpoint. Including Comcast's perspective would provide a more balanced view of the dispute.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a logical order, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. It clearly outlines the key issues, such as the contract dispute, potential blackout, and financial implications for subscribers. The language is neutral and straightforward, effectively conveying the stakes for fans and the broader community. However, the inclusion of more specific data or direct quotes could further clarify the positions of the involved parties.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as Sportico and statements from public officials like Gov. Hochul, which enhance its reliability. However, the absence of direct quotes or comments from Comcast weakens the source quality. Including a response from Comcast would strengthen the article's credibility by providing insights from all parties involved in the dispute. The historical context of previous disputes also adds depth but should be corroborated with more detailed sources.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the dispute and its potential impact on subscribers, but it lacks transparency regarding the specific terms of the expired agreement and the ongoing negotiations. While it mentions the potential for increased costs and alternative viewing options, it does not detail how these figures were calculated or sourced. Greater transparency about the basis for these claims and the methodologies used to gather information would enhance the article's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://awfulannouncing.com/local-networks/ny-gov-yes-network-go-dark-comcast.html
  2. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/03/25/yes-network-could-go-dark-on-comcast-cable-service/
  3. https://tvanswerman.com/2025/03/26/comcasts-xfinity-vs-yes-network-whats-the-latest/
  4. https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/yes-network-returns-to-comcast-after-blackout