MLB Network dropped from Optimum TV
MLB Network on set at the World Series at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2023. Credit: Getty Images/Christian Petersen
With spring training around the corner, MLB Network no longer is being carried on Optimum TV.
Optimum, which is owned by Altice, dropped MLB Network on Jan. 31 as the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new carriage agreement.
The move affects about 1 million viewers in the metropolitan area, many of them on Long Island.
MLB Network, in a statement provided to Newsday, said: “With Major League Baseball coming off a historic 2025, we regret that Altice has opted out of our agreed upon terms for the 2026 season. To date, we have offered terms similar to what’s been agreed to by close to 300 other providers. We’re more than prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue that would result in continuing our 15+ year partnership . . . We always encourage viewers who would like to watch MLB Network to visit mlbnetwork.com to find out where they can watch our content.”
MLB Network games involving the Mets and Yankees are generally blacked out in the New York area unless they are an exclusive broadcast. MLB Network has not announced any exclusive broadcasts for the upcoming season.
Optimum, in a statement provided to Newsday, said: “Optimum's agreement with MLB Network has expired and the channel is no longer available on Optimum TV lineups in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. At Optimum, we’re fans first: we love baseball and our local sports teams, including the Yankees and Mets. MLB Network carries a limited number of live, out-of-market MLB games — many of which are available elsewhere — and offers niche content, which our customers should not be forced to pay for if it does not align with their viewing preferences. As sports programming becomes more fragmented, Optimum is working to ensure our customers continue to receive the sports and entertainment content they love while keeping costs down.”
MLB Network airs live out-of-market spring training and regular-season games on a weekly basis in addition to look-ins of live games via shows such as “MLB Tonight” and “Big Inning.”
Anthony Rieber covers sports media and business and professional sports (you know, games and trades and things). He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since Jan. 1, 2026.
