SportsNet New York (SNY), the primary broadcaster of New York Mets games, is reportedly exploring strategic options, including a potential sale, according to sources cited in a Wall Street Journal article.
SNY, launched in 2006, is owned by Sterling Entertainment Enterprises, LLC, a joint venture with the New York Mets’ parent company, Sterling Equities (65% stake), Charter Communications (27%), and Comcast’s NBC Sports Group (8%).
The network holds exclusive broadcast rights to Mets games through 2035, airing over 100 games per season, alongside coverage of the New York Jets and UConn sports.
The exploration of a sale follows a history of financial significance for the Mets. In 2013, Bloomberg estimated SNY accounted for $1.2 billion of the Mets’ $2.1 billion valuation, and by 2011, the network generated $68 million annually for the Mets in broadcast rights revenue.
The Wilpon family, former Mets owners, previously considered selling SNY in 2021 after selling the team to Steve Cohen for $2.42 billion, with Cohen expressing interest in acquiring the network alongside RedBird Capital. Recent posts on X indicate Cohen, now the Mets’ owner, could again be a potential buyer if SNY is sold.
No deal is confirmed, and the ownership group may choose to retain SNY. The network’s value is bolstered by its direct-to-consumer streaming deal with Major League Baseball, launched in 2025, allowing fans to stream Mets games via the MLB app for $24.99/month or $124.99/season.
The move reflects SNY’s adaptation to shifting consumer preferences, as viewers increasingly favor streaming over traditional cable, a trend highlighted by TiVo’s 2024 report showing reduced spending on streaming services.
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