In June, fuboTV launched their much speculated ad-supported linear sports network called, Fubo Sports Network. The channel was first made available to fuboTV subscribers, free streaming service XUMO, and then Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels. Today, the company announced that the channel has expanded to The Roku Channel.
The channel is based on the existing FuboTV Network, which had previously been available to fuboTV subscribers. The channel will debut original studio shows later this year, combined with sports films, original video podcasts, and sports highlights. Until then, the channels will be made up of existing content from their previous homegrown channels Fubo Cycling and fuboTV Network with shows like The Football Report and cycling highlights.
“We are thrilled to bring fubo Sports Network to The Roku Channel, further expanding on our broad partnership with Roku,” Min Kim, vice president, business development, fuboTV. “The early interest in fubo Sports Network from distribution partners who see value in exclusive sports programming has been truly gratifying. We are building the best new talent-driven sports network, and we look forward to getting it in front of audiences everywhere.”
While the channel will initially be available on select platforms, the company hopes to build the sports-version of business news network Cheddar — which was acquired by Altice in April for $200 million. It is likely that the channel could ultimately be made available on other free ad-supported streaming platforms like Pluto TV and STIRR.
“Our goals for fubo Sports Network are ambitious yet simple: We plan to deliver sports programming 24/7 that’s a bit edgy, always fun and with a clear point of view, and make it free to sports fans on multiple platforms and on every device.,” according to Gandler.
The company is not the only one going after that market. In August 2017, Sinclair launched Stadium as a joint-venture with Silver Chalice as both an OTA and streaming sports channel. The channel combines studio shows and live programming from smaller collegiate conferences like Conference USA and Mountain West. In February 2018, CBS launched CBS Sports HQ, a 24/7 network that leverages content from CBS Sports, their digital properties, and has live studio shows with debate and highlights.
While Stadium is available across free ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV, Xumo, and Sinclair-owned STIRR — CBS Sports HQ is made available in their own mobile and connected television apps.