Sports in the streaming era is a messy affair, and Venu Sports is a prime example of that. The planned new streaming bundle from Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros was going to launch last fall, but it’s now been canceled before even having the chance to arrive.
Venu Sports discontinued before ever launching
The three partners behind Venu Sports—Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery—released a joint statement today confirming plans for the streamer have been discontinued.
After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch the streaming service. In an ever-changing marketplace, we determined that it was best to meet the evolving demands of sports fans by focusing on existing products and distribution channels. We are proud of the work that has been done on Venu to date and grateful to the Venu staff, whom we will support through this transition period.
It’s a surprise turn of events, largely because of the Venu-related news that happened earlier this week.
On Monday, Disney and Fubo announced it would be merging two of its businesses and, as a result, the outstanding Fubo lawsuit was settled.
Venu Sports was originally planning to launch last fall for $42.99 as a sports super-bundle. It would bring together the significant collective sports rights held by the three partners companies.
But Fubo sued over anti-competitive concerns and the service was blocked from launching.
9to5Mac’s Take
I assumed, as I expect many others did, that this week’s Disney-Fubo deal meant Venu would launch imminently.
Now, it seems, Venu Sports has been canceled before ever having a chance to succeed.
In some ways it makes sense, since Disney has its flagship new ESPN streaming service launching this fall anyways. But it’s still a surprising end that highlights how difficult it’s been for companies to transition sports into the streaming era.
How do you feel about Venu Sports being cancelled? Were you planning to subscribe? Let us know in the comments.
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