Fubo is launching its sports-focused bundle of linear TV channels on Tuesday before the NFL season kicks off, with access to CBS, Fox and ESPN networks available for $56 per month, the company announced Thursday.
Ion, NFL Network and the Tennis Channel will also be included, along with Fubo’s own sports network.
“Fubo Sports” will be available in major markets at launch, with the ability to add regional sports networks likely coming at a later date in certain jurisdictions. The company is also offering $10 off the first month, bringing the initial cost to $46. NBC represents the biggest missing network for football fans, who would need to add Peacock for Big Ten, Notre Dame and NFL games. NBC is still available in Fubo’s larger packages.
Fubu announced its intention to build a “skinny bundle” featuring ESPN networks when it settled its lawsuit against Disney in January over the once-planned Venu Sports joint streaming venture. Disney will own 70% of Fubo, pending regulatory approval.
Fubo stock jumped nearly 400% at the time of the news, with the company’s ticker still up 142% year to date. The new offering will compete with DirecTV’s MySports plan, which includes NBC as well as TNT Sports channels, and currently costs $70/month.
Both plans also come with authentication capability for ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offering, which includes all of its live rights within its app. Going forward, Fubo intends to add ESPN Unlimited feeds, including ESPN+ content, to its own platform for subscribers.
Fubo’s tech provides the ability to watch multiple games at once, catch up via highlights and skip through games using timeline markers. As of June 30, the company had 1.4 million paid subscribers.
The full list of Fubo Sports skinny bundle channels available at launch includes local broadcast stations owned-and-operated by ABC, CBS and Fox, plus additional affiliates in select markets, as well as ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, Ion, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel.
“Customers in select markets will also receive local broadcast sports channels,” the company said.