It’s Opening Day, but some Yankees fans in New Jersey may not have long to watch their team as a TV contract dispute threatens a blackout in the region.
Comcast and the YES Network, which broadcasts Yankees and Nets games, have yet to agree on a new carriage contract. The contract expires after Thursday, meaning Yankees fans with Comcast will be shut out from watching the Pinstripes take the field until an agreement is reached.
Region officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have urged the parties to reach an agreement before the channel goes dark.
“Millions of baseball fans across our region will be unfairly burdened if [Comcast] and [YES Network] do not come to a swift agreement before the 2025 MLB season begins,” Murphy wrote in a social media post. “We urge both parties to resolve their dispute without raising costs or reducing coverage for New Jerseyans.”
CNBC reported that Comcast, which has been removing regional sports networks from standard cable networks, might be looking to do the same with YES.
YES’s potential move to a more expensive tier has angered New Jersey officials, including State Sens. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge) and Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus).
“With Opening Day on the horizon, baseball fans in North Jersey should be looking forward to the season—not facing an unfair price hike just to watch their favorite teams,” Lagana said in a release. “With cable fees already rising, Comcast’s decision to relegate the YES Network to a costlier tier insults die-hard fans who have cheered on their teams from home for years.”
Yankees fans have high hopes for the season, but injuries to DJ LeMahieu, Luis Gil, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole could mean a tricky start.
“Sports are about bringing communities together; they should never be a luxury only the few can afford,” Lagana said.