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Report: Resurgent NY Knicks Basketball Team May Cause Time Warner Cable Customers to Defect in Nation’s Largest Market

Feb 14, 2012  •  Post A Comment

Jeremy Lin’s winning streak with the New York Knicks is electrifying fans — except for subscribers of Time Warner Cable, who are unable to watch the NBA team’s games because of an ongoing dispute between the cable operator and MSG Network, reports Reuters.

The two sides haven’t been able to reach a new broadcast carriage agreement after the previous deal expired Dec. 31, meaning that New York-area viewers who have Time Warner Cable have missed out on watching the games, the story notes.

While Time Warner Cable’s cancellations have been "insignificant" so far, according to the piece, that could change as some New Yorkers are unhappy and are threatening to switch.

"With everyone jumping aboard with Jeremy Lin, there is more interest now in the team but at least I have a pretty good handle on which bars don’t have Time Warner," said Milan Mesarich, a musician and Knicks fan.

Called "Linsanity," the buzz around the team’s resurgence has helped MSG’s shares, driving them up almost 4% on Monday, the story notes.

Lin was a relatively unknown player until earlier this month, when he was inserted into the Knicks’ starting rotation. With Lin playing an increased role in the team’s games and going on a scoring tear, the Knicks are on a five-game winning streak.

The dispute between the two sides could last until April, the story says, citing MSG Media President Michael Bair.

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