NY sports fans affected by TV blackouts could see refunds with proposed legislation

Posted by author January 31, 2025 Sports

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New Yorkers who experience television blackouts due to contract disputes could see refunds for the inconvenience.

Between 2010 and 2014, New York consumers experienced 100 television blackouts for a total of 3,350 days. Congressman Pat Ryan, who represents New York’s 18th District, and Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy introduced the Stop Sports Blackout Act Friday to provide refunds to those affected by the blackouts.

“Blackouts are a slap in the face to every consumer paying their hard-earned money for TV shows they can’t even watch,” Murphy said. “It’s ridiculous the rest of us get stuck in the crossfire of negotiations between cable and broadcast companies. Our bill is simple: if cable companies can’t provide the service you’re paying for, they owe you a refund.”

Here’s what to know.

How the proposed legislation would help New Yorkers

Through the Stop Sports Blackout Act, television distributors would be required by the Federal Communications Commission to provide rebates to subscribers for blackouts that occur as a result of carriage disputes.

Altice’s recent contract disputes with MSG, Nexstar disrupt service for New Yorkers

Altice USA has continued to black out MSG Networks channels — MSG Sportsnet and MSG+ live streaming service within the Gotham Sports app — for its Optimum customers, leaving many New Yorkers without access to New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games, after the companies’ contract expired on Dec. 31, 2024.

Earlier this month, MSG Networks put the ball back into Altice’s court, offering “a short extension tied to resolving our dispute through binding arbitration by a neutral, third party.” However, on Monday, Optimum’s response includes a claim that the sports and entertainment network has “habitually overcharged consumers” and “has done nothing to make their content more affordable.”

Altice also blacked out coverage for over 60 channels across the country owned by Nexstar Media Group, including WPIX local news, The CW and independent news channel NewsNation in the New York market, for several days earlier this month.

“It’s outrageous that millions of folks couldn’t watch the Knicks, Judy Justice, or dozens of other programs for weeks because of blackouts,” Ryan said. “And it’s even more ridiculous that we’re all still paying for the right to stare at black screens! I don’t see why this is even a debate – cable companies simply should not be able to advertise and charge for services they are not providing.”

Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.