Yankees Release Angry Statement on YouTube TV Dropping YES Network
By Brendan Balsamo
On Feb. 27, YouTube TV announced that due to their inability to reach an agreement with the Sinclair Broadcast Group, the company that distributes Fox Sports' television rights, they are not keeping any regional Fox Sports Networks, including YES Network, as a part of their services starting on Feb. 29.
In response, YES Network, the New York Yankees' television network, dropped a surprisingly angry response to this unfortunate reality on Twitter on Thursday. They're not the only ones upset.
YouTube TV has dropped the YES Network. pic.twitter.com/RxVgSIjQsR
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 5, 2020
The statement YES released called YouTube TV "selfish" and that they have a "total disregard for its YES customers."
The statement went on to say that no Yankees games, not even those that are broadcast nationally, will be able to be watched on YouTube TV.
We purchase rights from Sinclair to distribute content to you. Despite our best efforts, we’ve been unable to reach an agreement with Sinclair. As a result, we will no longer offer FOX Regional Sports Networks, including YES Network, beginning February 29th.
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) February 27, 2020
At the end of the statement, YES provided a website to show customers other means to stream Yankees games.
This is incredibly unfortunate for YouTube TV subscribers. YES Network spoke for the customers and didn't hold back. We'll see if things change and a deal can be struck in the future, but for now, Yankee fans that have YouTube TV are unfortunately out of luck.