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YES & MSG Ditch Gotham for DAZN: Streaming Shakeup!
New York Sports Streaming Shakeup: YES & MSG Networks Moving to DAZN
What’s Happening in Simple Terms
Imagine you have two favorite TV channels that show New York sports games. For a while, they teamed up to make their own streaming app called Gotham Sports. Now, after about two years, they’re packing up and moving to a new streaming home called DAZN.
IMPORTANT POINT
If you currently watch games through your cable provider (like Comcast or Optimum), you’ll get DAZN streaming for FREE when the switch happens. You don’t need to do anything extra!
Which Teams Are Affected?
Here are all the New York-area teams whose games are moving:
| Network | Teams Moving to DAZN |
|---|---|
| YES Network | New York Knicks (NBA) Brooklyn Nets (NBA) New York Yankees (MLB) |
| MSG Networks | New York Rangers (NHL) New York Islanders (NHL) Buffalo Sabres (NHL) New Jersey Devils (NHL) |
Timeline: When Does This Happen?
- Right now through end of 2025-26 season: Yankees fans can still watch on the Gotham Sports app
- During the 2026-2027 NBA & NHL seasons: The big migration to DAZN happens
- After migration: All games stream on DAZN instead of Gotham
Why Are They Switching? (The Backstory)
The Big Picture: Regional Sports Networks Are Struggling
- Cord-cutting: More people canceling cable TV
- Main Street Sports (a big owner of similar networks) went bankrupt and shut down in spring 2026
- Even though ratings are strong, making money is getting harder
YES & MSG’s Journey So Far
- 2023: Each launched their own separate streaming apps
- 2024: Combined into the Gotham Sports app (joint venture)
- 2025: MSG had a blackout fight with Optimum (cable provider)
- Early 2026: YES nearly had a similar fight with Comcast
- Now: Moving to DAZN for a fresh start
What Is DAZN Anyway?
DAZN (pronounced "Da Zone") is a global sports streaming service that’s trying to grow bigger in the United States.
Recent DAZN moves:
- Streamed the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. last year
- Publicly said they want NBA streaming rights from the Main Street Sports bankruptcy
- Now landing YES & MSG Networks — a major win for their U.S. expansion
What This Means for You
If You Have Cable/Satellite TV
- Good news: You’ll stream games on DAZN for FREE using your existing login
- No extra cost, no new subscription needed
If You’re a "Cord-Cutter" (No Cable)
- Pricing not announced yet
- Reference point: Gotham Sports app cost ~$209.99 per year
- Expect similar or competitive pricing on DAZN
If You Currently Use Gotham Sports App
- Yankees fans: Finish the season on Gotham
- Everyone else: Plan to switch to DAZN app for 2026-27 seasons
Summary: Key Takeaways
- YES Network & MSG Networks are leaving their Gotham Sports app
- New home: DAZN streaming service
- When: 2026-2027 NBA/NHL seasons
- Cable subscribers: Free access on DAZN
- Cord-cutters: Pricing TBA (was ~$210/year on Gotham)
- Context: Part of bigger shakeup in regional sports networks
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will I lose access to my teams during the switch?
No. Yankees fans finish the season on Gotham. The switch happens in the offseason before 2026-27 seasons start.
Do I need to buy a new device or smart TV?
Probably not. DAZN works on most devices: smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles, and web browsers.
What if I only want ONE team (like just the Knicks)?
Unknown yet. DAZN may offer team-specific packages or only a full bundle. Stay tuned for pricing details.
Is DAZN reliable? Will games buffer or crash?
DAZN is a major global streamer with experience handling big events (FIFA Club World Cup, boxing, soccer leagues). They have strong tech infrastructure.
Can I still watch on my cable box like normal?
Yes! This only changes streaming. Your regular cable TV channels (YES & MSG) stay exactly the same on your cable box.
Stay tuned for official pricing announcements and exact launch dates as we get closer to the 2026-27 seasons!
