YES, MSG Networks Pact for Streaming Tech Venture

Regional TV sports players YES Network and MSG Networks have combined to launch a 50 50 joint venture, Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment. The GAME digital venture will look to sell streaming distribution technology and services that YES and MSG Networks have gained from their own emerging online platforms.

That includes the YES App, which streams all live YES Network programming, including New York Yankees, Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty games, and MSG+, another direct to consumer streaming offering with annual, monthly and per game subscriptions. GAME will be directed at third party content owners also looking to build out their own streaming services.

“As we continue to capitalize on the momentum created by YES’ award winning digital offerings, we look forward to collaborating with MSG Networks to further elevate the fan experience,” Jon Litner, CEO of the YES Network said in a statement on Thursday. Regional Sports Networks, or pay TV channels built around live local sports and mostly featuring , or games, have traditionally tailored their offerings to cable or satellite providers.

But increasingly RSNs are eyeing direct to consumer platforms to retain serious sports fans as paid subscribers just as cord cutting grows as a threat. That will allow GAME to target content owners looking to offer live streaming of games to subscribers of cable networks. “With the formation of GAME, we seek to marry our collective insight, expertise and best in class technology not only to explore enhancements to our own products, but also to offer other networks, teams and sports properties an efficient way to launch a state of the art streaming service,” Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO of MSG Networks, added in a statement.

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