Fans Fight Back: Over 2,000 Speak Out Against Optimum’s MSG Blackout

Fans Take a Stand!

Sports fans are fed up—and they’re making their voices heard. More than 2,000 fans have mobilized, sending more than 14,000 emails to lawmakers demanding an end to the outrageous blackout that has kept Knicks and Rangers games off their screens. 

Going on 2 months, Optimum customers have been unfairly locked out of MSG Networks, losing access to their favorite teams. Why? Because Optimum’s parent company, Altice, would rather charge fans for a sports package that they aren’t providing.

Instead of negotiating in good faith with MSG Networks—like other major providers have—Optimum has chosen to put profits over fans, using its customers as pawns in a corporate standoff. This isn’t just frustrating—it’s unacceptable.

Sports Fans Coalition is proud to stand with fans in this fight. More than 14,000 emails have been sent to federal and state lawmakers, demanding action against Optimum’s anti-consumer tactics.

The message is clear: If you’re going to take away fans’ access to games, you shouldn’t be able to charge them for it. Fans deserve transparency, fair pricing, and the ability to watch their teams without corporate greed getting in the way.

Lawmakers are taking notice. SFC has heard from elected officials at all levels of government and even federal lawmakers have introduced legislation, the Stop Sports Blackouts Act, to try and solve the blackout. 

Our leaders must follow in Representative Ryan and Senator Murphy’s footsteps and stand up for fans. Cable and streaming providers shouldn’t be allowed to weaponize blackouts to squeeze more money out of fans. Optimum customers have already missed key games, and will likely miss more. 

Take Action Now!

If you’re an Optimum customer or just a sports fan tired of these blackouts, now is the time to act. Keep the pressure on lawmakers, demand accountability from Optimum, and let’s get these games back where they belong—on fans’ screens!