As the New York Knicks chase a return to the Eastern Conference semifinals, off-court financial news threatens to dampen their momentum. 
On Monday, a public SEC filing revealed that, under MSG Network’s debt-restructuring deal with JPMorgan, the Knicks will absorb a 28% reduction in local media-rights fees.
This will cost them $41.4 million next season and a cumulative $202.3 million by the end of the 2028–29 contract.
While New York’s players remain locked in on playoff success, the looming $202 million media-rights haircut underscores the financial headwinds facing the franchise.
Sports Business Journal posted the news on X earlier today.
On the court, the Knicks closed the regular season at 51–31, their best campaign in nearly 30 years, since their 57-25 record in the 1996-97 season.
They finished 2nd in the Atlantic Division and 3rd in the Eastern Conference, holding the 5th-best offensive rating (117.3) in the NBA.
In the opening round playoff series, New York leads the Detroit Pistons 3–1 after a 94-93 nail-biter in Game 4.
Jalen Brunson poured in 32 points and 11 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 27 points and 9 rebounds, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham put his name in the Pistons' history when finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The only other player in Detroit franchise history to record a triple-double in a playoff game was Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas.
Game 5 is set for April 29 at Madison Square Garden.
Should the Knicks advance, they will likely face the Boston Celtics, who also leads the playoff series against the Orlando Magic at 3-1.
