With MSG Networks Launching With a Broadband Partner, Could PS Vue, Hulu Live TV, or YouTube TV Be Next?
After a quarter that saw MSG Networks, the Regional Sports Network (RSN) for the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres, see a 6.3% decline in viewing subscribers — many analysts were left wondering if the channels will need to partner with additional Live TV Streaming Services to boost subs.
Right now, MSG and MSG+ is only available on fuboTV ($55) and AT&T TV NOW’s Max Plan ($70). The channel hasn’t made it’s way to PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Sign Up | Free Trial | Get 50% Off | Sign Up | |||
| $79.99 | $91.99 | $76.99 | $25 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| MSG | + $29 | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | |
The company’s CFO Bret Richter said, that the channel will be part of a “new pay-TV, broadband offering from one of our existing partners later this year or in early 2020.” Currently, both Spectrum and Comcast carry MSG on their TV bundles, but not on their streaming plans — Spectrum TV Choice and Xfinity Instant TV — which place them as likely candidates.
But, there seems to be optimism that the channel may come to some of the Live TV Streaming Services that, despite carrying Fox Sports & NBC Sports RSNs, don’t yet carry the channel. As Richter said, “we’re focused on new virtual MVPD distribution opportunities but we’re also discussing opportunities with other potential new partners about other content opportunities.”
The company has been progressive with in-market streaming. They launched their MSG Go App in October 2014, which allowed mobile streaming of Knicks games, and saw their NHL teams join the app in February 2017. Last season, they created a mobile-optimized stream for NBA games and integrated team and player stats into the live feed.