Optimum’s Blackout Betrayal: Tri-State Attorneys General Stand up for Fans
Tri-state sports fans gained three new champions this week when NY Attorney General Letitia James, along with CT Attorney General William Tong and NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin demanded that Altice USA's Optimum cable service issue automatic refunds to customers deprived of MSG Networks due to an ongoing blackout. For the last several weeks, SFC has also called for refunds to sports fans.
“New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for television channels they cannot even watch,” said Attorney General James. “Optimum customers have paid for channels to watch their home sports teams, but their cable company is not offering these channels while charging them anyway. I am determined to secure a solution for New Yorkers who have had to endure these unfair blackouts and I urge Optimum and MSG to finally reach a deal so New Yorkers can watch their home teams.”
For more than a month approximately one million Optimum subscribers have been unable to watch their favorite teams, including the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils, because of a contract dispute between Optimum and MSG Networks.
This blackout has not only deprived fans of essential sports coverage but has also led to significant financial implications. Optimum continues to charge customers for channels they cannot access, effectively pocketing millions of dollars monthly. Despite the lack of service, there has been no automatic rebate or refund offered to subscribers.
SFC has been at the forefront of advocating for fans' rights during this dispute. More than 2,000 fans have mobilized, sending more than 14,000 emails to lawmakers demanding an end to the blackout. Fans should not be used as leverage in corporate negotiations and they deserve the content they've paid for.
As the standoff continues, the call for accountability grows louder. Fans should still reach out to their local representatives and demand that Optimum either restore MSG Networks or provide appropriate refunds. Sign the form to send those letters!
It's time for Optimum to prioritize its customers and bring back the games that fans are passionate about.