Verizon and the YES Network Sign Multi-Year Agreement; YES Launches on FiOS TV’s Channel 65

June 13, 2006

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees and New Jersey Nets have joined the Verizon FiOS TV lineup as Verizon and the YES Network announce a multi-year agreement to provide the sports network to FiOS TV customers in New York.

YES, the most-watched regional sports network in the country, is now available to subscribers of FiOS TV Premier, Verizon’s most popular package, on Channel 65, in time for YES’ telecast tomorrow night of the Yankees-Cleveland Indians game. YES’ Yankees coverage Wednesday begins with “Yankees Batting Practice Today” at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the Yankees pre-game show at 6:30 p.m. and the New York-Cleveland game telecast at 7 p.m. YES’ post-game show will air immediately after the conclusion of the game. The Yankees-Indians game tonight will be televised on WWOR, My9, in New York.

The agreement also enables Verizon to carry YES high-definition telecasts. Verizon currently provides 23 HD channels in its New York markets, more than any other terrestrial TV provider in the region.

“The YES Network is a tremendous addition to our extensive lineup of local and national sports programming,” said Terry Denson, vice president of FiOS TV content strategy and acquisition. “Fans who already subscribe to our Premier package, as well as new subscribers, can now enjoy 24x7 coverage of their favorite New York teams along with the best TV service in this market.”

Ray Hopkins, COO, the YES Network, said, “FiOS TV subscribers will now have unsurpassed access to the most popular team in New York, the Yankees. YES will also provide FiOS customers with plenty of additional Yankees-themed programming, Nets games, a stellar lineup of Emmy Award-winning YES original programs, and top-flight college football and basketball. We are particularly pleased to offer FiOS TV viewers with hi-def presentations of the Yankees and Nets.”

FiOS TV is available on Verizon’s fiber-optic network in the Long Island village of Massapequa Park and the Rockland County villages of Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack, and it will launch soon in the Town of Hempstead. Verizon will begin offering FiOS TV to other New York communities where it has franchise agreements, including Long Island’s village of Cedarhurst and Town of Oyster Bay, following approval by the New York State Public Service Commission.

FiOS TV delivers more than 400 all-digital channels and access to an on-demand library of more than 2,200 titles. FiOS TV Premier, the lead offer, provides more than 180 channels of national and local programming for $39.95 per month. Customers can also add a 15-channel sports package for $5.95 per month, and 44-channel movie package for $11.95 per month. Or, they can get both packages for $14.95 per month.

The YES Network features the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees and the 2002 and 2003 Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets. The YES Network is available to viewers in New York, Connecticut, and large parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In addition to Yankees and Nets games, YES televises other professional and collegiate sports teams and events, as well as classic sports footage. YES Network programming also includes original biography, interview and magazine programs, as well as a live simulcast of WFAN’s “Mike and the Mad Dog” Monday through Friday from 1pm-6:30pm. Further information can be found at www.yesnetwork.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.


Media contacts:
Heather Wilner, Verizon, 212-321-8333
Eric Handler, YES Network, 646-487-3686

Contact Information

Heather Wilner

Verizon

Contact via E-mail