Is this how ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery feel?
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Huddle up, y’all. There’s been a hiccup in the launch of Venu, the planned sports streaming bundle from three heavy hitters in the media landscape. Per CNN, a judge has delayed Venu’s launch by granting FuboTV’s request for a preliminary injunction against the joint venture by Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the Walt Disney Company (you might see some reports swap ESPN into that last slot; ESPN is majority-owned by Disney). Fubo filed a lawsuit two weeks after Venu was announced back in February, arguing that the bundle would violate antitrust laws and cause consumers to “face irreparable harm in the absence of an injunction.” On Friday, a New York district judge ruled that Fubo would likely succeed in proving those claims in trial. Unsurprisingly, Fox, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery said they plan to appeal, claiming that “Venu Sports is a pro-competitive option that aims to enhance consumer choice by reaching a segment of viewers who currently are not served by existing subscription options.” As we previously reported, Venu promised to offer its subscribers a dizzying amount of sports coverage through access to all ESPN channels, ESPN+, ABC, FOX, TNT, TBS, and TruTV … plus programs like 30 for 30 via the ESPN library. Venu was originally set to debut this fall with a locked-in “launch price” of $42.99 per month for one year, but the Associated Press now reports that the launch will likely be pushed until at least 2025.
According to Courthouse News, Fubo said in its filing that it has long wanted to launch a sports-only streaming service, but that it faced difficulties because networks allegedly charged unfairly high licensing costs and forced bundles with entertainment channels that sports fans don’t want. “Today’s ruling is a victory not only for Fubo but also for consumers,” David Gandler, Fubo co-founder and chief executive, said in a statement. “This decision will help ensure that consumers have access to a more competitive marketplace with multiple sports streaming options.” Keep in mind, though, that a preliminary injunction is basically just a timeout. In other words, Friday’s decision is a temporary delay, not a permanent block. A trial date for the antitrust lawsuit has yet to be set. So you’ve got some time to decide, sports fans — are you Team Fubo or not?
