The new sports streaming service formed by Disney/ESPN, Fox Corp., and Warner Bros. Discovery is named Venu Sports.
We are thrilled to introduce Venu Sports, said Pete Distad, CEO of Venu Sports. This brand represents a new streaming home for sports fans who don’t have traditional pay TV. Our focus is on delivering a top-notch product using the latest technology to provide one-stop access to live sports.
The partnership between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery was announced in February, aiming to attract customers outside the pay-TV market. Venu Sports is set to launch in the fall of 2024. Pete Distad, previously with Apple and responsible for Apple TV+ operations, was hired in March to lead the venture.
While the pricing and exact launch date for Venu Sports are not yet announced, the service will combine ESPN+ with the companies’ sports networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS, and truTV.
The venture has launched a new website at venu.com. A notice on the site states that the launch depends on regulatory approval and is expected in Fall 2024. The site is operated by a subsidiary of FOX Corporation. The companies mentioned that the joint venture is still finalizing definitive agreements.
The Justice Department is reviewing the venture for anticompetitive concerns. Additionally, two leading congressional Democrats have expressed worries that the partnership could lead to higher prices for consumers and less favorable licensing terms for sports leagues and video distributors.
It's not "Spulu" — Disney, Fox and WBD Unveil Name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports https://t.co/ZxkECDQ6p2 via @variety
— Todd Spangler (@xpangler) May 16, 2024
Fubo, a streaming TV provider, has filed a federal lawsuit to block the launch, claiming the venture violates antitrust laws. On May 2, Fubo, DirecTV, Dish Network, Newsmax, and others sent a letter to Congress members, urging hearings on competition in the pay-TV market and specifically mentioning concerns about the Disney-Fox-WBD joint venture.
Venu Sports will be available directly to consumers through a new app. Subscribers will also have the option to bundle it with services like Disney+, Hulu, or Max. Source
Also Read: Mediawan’s Elisabeth d’Arvieu on Key to Studio’s Success: We Guarantee Independence
