In what was a change from traditional routes, MSG and YES Network had gotten together for a joint venture called GAME, or Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment. The collaboration was first announced in January. Since then, there has been the chatter that there would soon be a ‘special feature’ from the popular regional sports networks. Something that would give Commissioner Adam Silver a financial setback and a lingering headache of sorts.

Confirming the speculations was the launch of the Gotham Sports App. One can best describe the Gotham Sports App as a one-stop shop for all New York sports needs. According to Erik Slater of Clutch Points, “YES Network and MSG Network are partnering to Launch The Gotham Sports App This Fall. Users of the app will have access to Knicks, Yankees, Nets, Rangers, Devils and Islanders games. It will cost $41.99 per month or $359.99 annually.”

Now, all of these features would definitely resonate with the younger generation. At a time when entertainment and video content can easily be availed without traditional cable or satellite usage, the target audience – younger customers – would welcome this with open hands. And that’s exactly what Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery had in mind when they planned on launching their own joint venture – Venu.

The above-mentioned three media giants proposed the idea of making Venu ‘the’ streaming joint for their sports networks for subscribers. However, a court order stopped the plans (temporarily) suggesting that “combination is anticompetitive.” WBD, Fox, and Disney have already filed an appeal, so there’s a chance that it could resume. But their initial plan to debut it before the NFL season might have to take a backseat.

And now with MSG and YES Network already ahead of them with the subscription service, quite a chunk of customers might choose to go with Gotham Sports App, ditching the NBA League Pass, thereby leaving Adam Silver with lighter pockets.

What does this new joint venture mean amidst the changing landscape of sports consumption?

The Gotham Sports App isn’t the only option fans have. Customers who watch only some games can get access to them via a smaller package. But it would be through the MSG+ or YES App for $29.99 and $24.99 monthly, respectively. In addition, those who already have a pay-TV subscription to MSG and YES do not have to pay any extra fees to receive Gotham Sports App’s services.

Considering how regional sports networks and cable services have taken a major hit in recent years, it’s only natural that these organizations will look for creative ways to monetize. When Diamond Sports Group, the biggest owner of regional sports networks, filed for bankruptcy last year, it was pretty much a wake-up call for the rest of them. And what better path than going online?

It’s also interesting to note that not everyone has opted to go the subscription route. Notably, NHL’s Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks let the fans know that their games would be aired on Victory+, a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by A Parent Media Co., yet another section has opted for a different route. Some have turned to local broadcasters to air their games, the recent ones being NBA teams, the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. A few from MLB decided to let the league produce the games.

So, you can see how the media landscape is evolving to better answer the needs of their consumers. Granted, there will be casualties to every business decision. But that is also an aspect of running a business, wouldn’t you say? Having said that, what do you think of GAME and Gotham Sports App? Excited to try it out or stick with NBA League Pass? Share your thoughts in the comments.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.