The saga of Venu Sports, a proposed multi-channel virtual video programming distributor (MVPD) service from ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery, was terminated after the three corporations jointly decided to not proceed working on the platform with immediate effect.
Venu Sports was intended to be the one streaming option available for watching IndyCar Series events outside of cable/streaming subscriptions like Hulu and YouTubeTV – much like the Peacock streaming service.
What happened?
In a joint statement, ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery says: “After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch a streaming service. In an ever-changing market, we felt it best to meet the changing demands of sports fans by focusing on existing products and distribution channels. We are proud of the work done on Venu to date and grateful to the Venu employees whom we will support during this transition period.”
The launch of Venu Sports was previously delayed in August after a federal judge granted FuboTV's request for a preliminary injunction against the partnership against ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery, which broadcasts sports. FuboTV originally filed the lawsuit two weeks after the participating corporations announced the enterprise in February.
Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, NBC, Television
Photo: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
At a time when streaming subscriptions proceed to grow, Venu Sports' base price has been set at $42.99 per thirty days, offering the next networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS, truTV – and ESPN+. Subscribers would even have the choice to attach the product to Disney+, Hulu and/or Max.
All 17 rounds of the premier North American open-wheel championship will likely be broadcast on free-to-air FOX. However, various on-track sessions – including the Indianapolis 500 – will likely be shown on FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2, where a cable or streaming subscription is required. Additionally, the FOX Sports app is barely available to those with proof of authentication with a cable or streaming subscription.
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