YES, MSG networks partner on venture that could lead to new platform

YES and MSG Network are partnering on a new venture that eventually could lead to a direct-to-consumer streaming service that offers the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, Nets, Devils and Islanders on one platform.

The two sides are not there just yet, but announced on Thursday the creation of Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment, which is a 50/50 venture between the two networks “to capitalize on technical and operational synergies associated with YES’ and MSGN’s streaming services,” according to a release distributed by the two sides.

“There’s great alignment between YES and MSG in the digital space,” YES CEO Jon Litner said during a joint interview with his counterpart at MSG Network, president Andrea Greenberg.

One of the main goals of YES and MSGN is to be able to offer their services to platforms around the country.

With the changing media environment, regional sports networks have had to consider the costly expense of creating direct-to-consumer products.

Both YES and MSGN have already done that in New York.

They plan to offer other companies their blueprints and technical support.

“There is a lot of infrastructure and there’s a lot of investment that goes into building these apps,” Litner said.

For local New York fans, the partnership could be a further bridge to cutting the cable cord if Gotham eventually puts all of its teams on one service. 

Currently, YES’ direct-to-consumer app costs $24.99 per month, while MSG+ is $29.99 monthly.

If you are a Yankees and Knicks fan, for example, it makes it cost prohibitive; especially when you consider games appear on other networks, like ESPN, TNT, FS1 and other streaming platforms, like Apple TV+ and Peacock.

The Post has previously reported that ESPN, in its entirety, is expected to be available by 2025, with an outside shot of 2024.

This could create a world where a viewer can receive all their games without cable.

The networks, Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC, are all available for free. 

If all the New York teams, outside of the Mets with SNY, were in one place for the majority of their games, it could be easier for consumers who like multiple teams. From the companies’ point of view, they would likely benefit from consumers keeping the product all year round as opposed to a Yankees fan paying for YES from April through September or a Knicks fan doing the same from October until April. 

If all the teams were in one place, then the idea of just having the service all year would potentially be more palatable for fans.

“From my perspective, it’s just a little too early to talk about what this will ultimately look like, but suffice it to say, we are going to explore all avenues for elevating the customer experience,” Greenberg said.