Fubo to launch sports-focused skinny bundle in September
Fubo to launch sports-focused skinny bundle in September
First confirmed in January, the new Fubo Sports service will launch ahead of the NFL season and could make the existing Fubo platform obsolete.
Fubo has long prided itself on being the first sports-centric live TV streaming service on the market, but the way that the industry works, it had to carry non-sports channels in order to appease the megacorporations that owned the sports content at the core of the streamer’s mission. However, the streaming industry has evolved tremendously over the past year, and on Thursday, Fubo announced the launch of a new service called Fubo Sports. This hyper-focused sports skinny bundle will become available on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and will feature over 20 sports-focused channels $56 per month.
Key Details:
- Finally, sports-only: Fubo is set to launch a trimmed-down sports-focused service next week.
- A better deal: Customers can get over 20 sports broadcasting channels for $56 per month.
- What’s to come of OG Fubo?: With a merger with Hulu + Live TV in the works, could this make the larger Fubo service redundant?
The new Fubo Sports service will include over 20 local and national networks in addition to cable sports channels, providing robust access to pro and college sports. Due to the inclusion of local affiliates, Fubo Sports will initially launch in select markets, with further markets expected to be added over time. At launch, customers will be able to sign up for the service for $46 for the first month, thanks to a $10 promotional discount, and the regular monthly rate will be $56. In addition to the channels included in the plan, the subscription will also include video-on-demand, unlimited DVR access, and Fubo’s Family Share.
At launch, Fubo Sports will include local broadcast stations owned and operated by ABC, CBS, and Fox with additional affiliates in select markets across the country. The service will also feature ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, Ion, NFL Network, SEC Network, and Tennis Channel. In addition, the Ultimate tier of the new ESPN streaming service will also be included.
“At Fubo, we have always believed a streaming service must provide consumers with multiple, flexible and more affordable content options - and that consumers should be able to subscribe to the content they choose,” Fubo co-founder and CEO David Gandler said. “The launch of Fubo Sports will add another content tier to our broad portfolio, super-serving passionate sports fans. With our signature pay TV streaming service alongside standalone sports offerings, Pay-Per-View live events and now Fubo Sports, we will continue to offer consumers multiple competitively-priced content options within the Fubo ecosystem, free of friction.”
The service will include some network 4K content, and subscribers will be able to personalize their streaming experience with product features including Multiview, Catch Up to Live, Game Highlights, Timeline Markers, and more.
Word of this new streamer was first revealed in January, following the announcement that Hulu + Live TV and Fubo would merge. While the belief is that the two live streamers will continue to operate independently of each other, once the deal goes through, Disney will own 70% of Fubo. However, with the launch of Fubo Sports, it could make sense to fold the larger existing Fubo streamer into Hulu’s offering, keeping the Fubo brand associated exclusively with sports-specific service.
Fubo
Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).