Sports Streaming Service Venu Calls it Quits
In a surprising move, Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have abandoned their plans to launch Venu, a sports streaming service that was initially announced in February. The companies released a joint statement on Friday, citing the ever-changing marketplace and the need to focus on existing products and distribution channels.
A Shift in Strategy
Venu was intended to combine the live sports assets of Fox, WBD, and Disney-owned ESPN, offering a unique streaming experience for sports fans. However, the project faced several hurdles, including a legal challenge from internet TV bundler Fubo, which claimed the platform would be anticompetitive.
The Antitrust Case
The judge presiding over the antitrust case raised concerns about the legality of cable bundling, prompting Disney to merge its Hulu+ Live TV with Fubo and settle all litigation over Venu. However, satellite providers DirecTV and Dish argued that the legal questions remained unanswered, leading the three companies to pull the plug on Venu.
A New Path Forward
Disney is now targeting a debut of ESPN “Flagship,” an all-inclusive ESPN streaming service, for August 2025. The still-unnamed service will include everything that airs on ESPN’s linear network, unlike ESPN+. Disney’s deal with Fubo and its recent carriage renewal with DirecTV also give the company new ways to package skinny bundles, offering a smaller number of linear channels for less money.
A Changing Landscape
The demise of Venu marks a significant shift in the sports streaming landscape. With the rise of skinny bundles and à la carte streaming services, traditional cable TV is facing increasing competition. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how sports media rights holders adapt to meet the changing demands of sports fans.
What’s Next?
For now, it seems that Venu employees will be supported through the transition period. DirecTV has expressed its commitment to working with programming partners to deliver sports fans more choice, control, and value. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the sports streaming landscape will continue to evolve, and only time will tell what the future holds.
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