10:30 AM EST, 01/22/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with response from Optimum starting in the third paragraph.)

Sphere Entertainment's ( SPHR ) MSG Networks said late Tuesday it is willing to resolve its dispute with Altice USA ( ATUS ) through binding arbitration by a neutral third party.

"This will enable Optimum subscribers to watch their favorite sports programming while we resolve our outstanding issues," MSG Networks said.

Optimum, a unit of Altice USA ( ATUS ), responded with a statement saying it is ready to reach a fair deal with MSG while dismissing MSG's latest statement as "nothing more than a PR stunt."

According to Optimum, both parties were "close to a deal" on Friday over programming fees, but "MSG's Executive Chairman told us he was walking away from that deal."

"We are ready to put the games on tonight for customers who want it - all MSG needs to do is give us the green light, but they won't because they want to continue to charge those who do not watch it," Optimum told MT Newswires.

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