YES Network and MSG Network announce a joint venture. Plus: Marie Donoghue steps down at Amazon; Max delays premium tier of B/R Sports add-on.
YES and MSG announce tech firm GAME
New York City based regional sports networks YES Network and MSG Network announced the formation of GAME (Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment) on Thursday. The venture — which the sides jointly own in a 50/50 split — looks to “capitalize on technical and operational synergies associated with YES’ and MSGN’s streaming services.”
Both networks launched streaming apps last year, the YES App and MSG+. GAME will look to leverage this expertise to be a solution for other teams looking to launch streaming services of their own. As uncertainty continues to define the RSN business, revenue from digital distribution figures to become a larger part of the equation for teams. (YES Network, 1.4)
Top Amazon exec Marie Donoghue steps down
Amazon VP Global Sports Marie Donoghue has stepped down after five years with the company, the New York Post reported Thursday. Amazon later confirmed the news. Donoghue led media rights negotiations and managed the digital giant’s content and programming strategy. When hired in 2018, Donoghue headed Amazon’s efforts to break into sports content, though seemingly relinquished some authority to Global Head of Sports Jay Marine after his hiring in 2022.
Under Donoghue, Amazon acquired exclusive rights to the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package, which grew 24% in its second season of broadcasting this year. She also negotiated deals with the New York Yankees, WNBA, and a high profile Premier League deal in the UK. Prior to joining Amazon, Donoghue worked for nearly 20 years at ESPN, most recently as EVP Global Business and Content Strategy. (Marchand, 1.4)
Max to keep B/R Sports add-on free, for now
Warner Bros Discovery will delay premium pricing for Max’s Bleacher Report-branded sports add-on, Deadline reported Friday. The company launched its sports tier last October and intended to offer it for free through February. Now, the company will begin charging for the service at a later date and it will remain free in the interim.
The initial plan was to begin charging customers right around the time that many of WBD’s marquee sports properties such as March Madness and NBA and NHL playoffs occur. Per the report, WBD wants to, “finalize some tech integrations that will ensure a more seamless customer experience,” prior to charging subscribers. When launched last October, the company suggested the premium sports tier would be priced around $10 per month additional to the Max subscription. The report suggest that premium pricing will launch at some point later this year. (Deadline, 1.5)
