Judge Halts Ambitious Fox, ESPN, and Warner Bros. Streaming Partnership

FuboTV has successfully secured a preliminary injunction against the new sports streaming service, Venu Sports, announced by major networks including ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in the Southern District of New York, suggests that FuboTV is likely to prove that the joint venture contravenes antitrust laws. Judge Garnett emphasized that without the injunction, both Fubo and its consumers could suffer irreparable harm.

This legal action follows an announcement on February 6, when ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Hulu revealed their intention to launch the streaming service.

FuboTV claims it has long pursued the establishment of a sports-only streaming platform, but cites hurdles placed by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to FuboTV, these companies have enforced bundling requirements, compelling it to spend substantial amounts on unwanted content licensing.

Initially set for a fall launch, Venu Sports planned a subscription model priced at $42.99 per month, providing access to 14 linear networks. These included ESPN channels, various FOX networks, and TNT among others, in addition to ESPN+.

New subscribers could also bundle the service with Disney+, Hulu, or Max. Venu Sports CEO Pete Distad indicated that the platform was designed with cord-cutters in mind, promising a competitive price to attract viewers currently underserved by traditional pay TV.

Ownership of the joint venture will be divided equally among ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, each holding one-third of the service.