Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a response from MSG Networks to Optimum’s Dec. 30 statement.

Starting January 1, Optimum cable subscribers will no longer have access to the MSG Network.

This is a blow to New York sports fans, as the network hosts some of the region’s biggest teams, including the New York Rangers and New York Knicks, who are currently riding a nine-game winning streak.

The network also broadcasts New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games.

However, there are alternatives for those who still need to exercise.

Why did Optimum subscribers lose MSG Network?

Optimum subscribers lost access to the MSG network on January 1 when the cable provider’s contract with the network expired before a renewal agreement was signed.

“MSG Networks charges exorbitant programming fees – which could drive up our customers’ cable bills,” Optimum said in a statement on Monday, December 30.

“This is a price cut, pure and simple, from Altice. An attempt to add more than $10 per month directly to their bottom line – a $10 rate increase on top of a 50% rate increase,” MSG Networks responded to The Post today. “We remain prepared to negotiate in good faith to bring our programming back to optimum.”

The two sides have grown distant since then, and it appears that without MSG Network, subscribers could be in for a long dry spell.

Which streaming services include MSG?

Among the live TV streaming services available, DIRECTV Stream and fuboTV are two notable services that include MSG Networks (and its larger family of channels) in at least one subscription.

How to watch MSG Network for free without cable:

DIRECTV Stream and fuboTV both offer free trials that allow users to watch live TV for free.

To get MSG, you must subscribe to DIRECTVs Selection Plan that costs $94.99/month after a five-day free trial for the first three months.

fuboTV offers a seven-day free trial before payments begin. MSG is included with fuboTVs professional plan. fuboTV costs $79.99/month.

If you are outside the US or cannot watch MSG Network in your region, consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Whether you’re traveling or living abroad, a VPN lets you stream live TV and your favorite shows and movies across your usual streaming services without restrictions. A VPN lets you change your device’s IP address so you can access your favorite apps and websites, whether you’re in the UK, Canada, Mexico or anywhere in the world.

Which providers do not contain MSG?

Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and Philo are some of the live TV streaming services that do this not Include MSG in all available plans.

Does YouTube TV have MSG?

No, YouTube TV does not have MSG.

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Why Trust Post is wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Angela Tricarico, trade writer/reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and Decider, the New York Post’s streaming company. Angela keeps her readers up to date with free offers and information on how to watch their favorite sports teams, TV shows and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan who specializes in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Before joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer technology at Insider Reviews

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