Fox RSNs & YES Network Dropped From fuboTV, After Deal Expires Without New Extension with Sinclair

It’s a tough way to start the year for fuboTV subscribers, the service not only has lost Disney-owned Fox networks (FX, FXM, FXX, and Nat Geo) — but has also lost 21 Fox Regional Sports Networks and YES Network. While the service still carries RSNs from NBC Sports, NESN, MSG, and AT&T Sportsnet Southwest — it’s a major blow to subscribers for a service that positions themselves for sports fans.

On their website, fuboTV has confirmed that “As of January 1, 2020, FOX Regional Sports Networks have left fuboTV, like they have with other streaming TV providers. Despite these changes, fuboTV continues to be a sports-focused cable TV replacement with home team coverage in top markets.”

fuboTV deal with 21st Century Fox (who previously owned the channels) expired on 12/31/2019 and was unable to reach a new deal with their new parent Sinclair. The channels which were acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group by Disney, after netting them as part of their deal for 21st Century Fox.

FOX Regional Sports Networks broadcasts local telecasts of 14 MLB teams, 17 NBA teams and 13 NHL teams.

In a statement to The Streamable, a spokesperson from Sinclair RSNs said:

We’re disappointed that FuboTV has dropped our 22 regional sports networks. Fubo positions itself as a sports-first service, yet it has chosen not to carry our RSNs, ESPN or ABC. In addition, Fubo has dropped FOX-affiliated television stations in nearly 40 markets, FX and National Geographic Channel. We offered FuboTV terms consistent with those agreed to by the many other providers that carry our RSNs – including other OTT providers such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and AT&T TV Now. FuboTV customers should switch providers today to watch their favorite teams’ games and many other popular sports and entertainment programs.

This isn’t the only Live TV Streaming Service in a dispute with Sinclair over Fox Regional Sports Networks. In late July, Sling TV and Dish Network dropped the channels after being unable to reach an extension. The channels are still dark on both services. With the impending shutdown on PlayStation Vue, Fox Regional Sports Networks are now only available to streamers on Hulu Live TV, AT&T TV NOW, and YouTube TV.