NJ & Tri-State Colleagues Demand Refunds for Optimum Cable Customers Facing MSG Blackouts

Altice has blocked MSG Networks since January, depriving customers of sports channels they paid for.

TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin joined forces with New York Attorney General Letitia James and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong to demand automatic refunds for Altice USA’s Optimum cable customers who lost access to MSG Networks. In a letter to Altice, the three attorneys general underscored that Optimum subscribers have been paying for MSG channels—home to popular sports coverage of the New Jersey Devils, New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres—without receiving the service.

“We urge Optimum and MSG to resolve their dispute and end the blackout so that New Jersey consumers can once again access the services they paid for to watch their favorite local teams play,” said Attorney General Platkin.

Ongoing Blackout Since January

Optimum pulled MSG Networks from its cable package at the start of January 2025, citing an unresolved contract dispute with MSG. Consumers in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut who are paying for the channels remain unable to watch live games and team coverage.

“New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for television channels they cannot even watch,” said Attorney General James. “Optimum customers have paid for channels to watch their home sports teams, but their cable company is not offering these channels while charging them anyway. I am determined to secure a solution for New Yorkers who have had to endure these unfair blackouts and I urge Optimum and MSG to finally reach a deal so New Yorkers can watch their home teams.”

Call for Automatic Refunds

In their collective letter, the attorneys general insist that Altice provide automatic refunds to all Optimum customers who pay for, yet are not receiving, MSG channels. By blacking out coverage that is a core part of certain cable packages, Altice risks violating consumer protection statutes in the three states.

“Optimum and MSG need to stop the posturing and get back to the table. Figure it out and let us watch our sports in peace,” said Attorney General Tong. “In the meantime, consumers are paying for sports they can’t watch and they are owed immediate refunds without hassle.”

New Jersey residents who believe they have been unfairly charged for cable services not delivered are encouraged to contact the Division of Consumer Affairs or the Attorney General’s Office. For more information on filing a complaint, visit njconsumeraffairs.gov.