With cord-cutting and the decline of the pay TV industry already wreaking havoc on regional sports networks, analysts at Lightshed Partners say the blackout of MSG Networks on Altice USA’s Optimium systems could push MSG Networks into bankruptcy, making it the latest casualty of declining RSN ecosystem.

The blackout impacting New York Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and New Jersey Devils fans started after the current contract expired at midnight on Dec. 31 The post MSG Networks Goes Dark on Altice USA’s Optimum Amid Contract Dispute appeared first on TheWrap.

"We are disappointed in MSG Networks, but most importantly, sorry that our customers have to experience this change..."

New York-area subs lose access to Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils coverage after companies were unable to ink a new carriage deal

New York sports fans who subscribe to Optimum lost access to view some of their favorite teams this week due to a spat between the cable provider and MSG Networks over fees. The fallout from the dispute leaves fans of local teams whose games are carried by MSG Networks — including the Knicks,

Optimum (Altice USA) has dropped MSG Networks from its channel lineup, leaving fans of the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils without access to live coverage of their teams.

Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils fans are losing access to games in the tri-state area as MSG and Optimum clash over pricing and programming.