ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery have determined a name for their upcoming joint streaming service set to launch this fall in the United States.
CEO Pete Distad, who has previous experience at Apple and Hulu, announced Thursday that the name of the platform will be Venu Sports.
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The collaborative relationship “will bring together the companies’ portfolios of sports networks and certain direct to consumer services in a compelling new streaming sports service to allow underserved fans to get the most out of every game,” according to a release. The platform will include content from all major professional sports leagues and college sports.
Customers who purchase subscriptions can access Venu Sports directly “via a new app,” and subscribers “would also have the ability to bundle the product, including with Disney+, Hulu or Max.”
“We are excited to officially introduce Venu Sports, a brand that we feel captures the spirit of an all-new streaming home where sports fans outside of the traditional pay TV eco-system can experience an incredible collection of live sports, all in one place,” Distad stated in a release. “As preparations for the platform continue to accelerate, we are singularly focused on delivering a best-in-class product for our target audience, built from the ground up using the latest technologies to engage and entertain discerning sports fans wanting one-stop access to live games.”
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FOX, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery will have equal ownership shares in Venu Sports, according to Stephen Battaglio of the Los Angeles Times.
The formation and launch of Venu Sports “is subject to regulatory approval and the finalization of definitive agreements amongst the parties,” according to a release.
Venu Sports aims to provide a way for viewers to access “an extensive, dynamic lineup of sports content to serve sports fans, particularly those outside of the traditional pay TV bundle,” according to a release. It targets a younger audience and individuals who aren’t subscribed to major or traditional television streaming services.
According to Joe Reedy of The Associated Press, FuboTV filed an antitrust lawsuit against ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu in February. FuboTV seeks cash damages and to prevent Venu Sports, or have restrictions imposed on the joint service to ensure competition within the market.
ESPN and the College Football Playoff reached an agreement on a new media rights deal in March keeping the Playoff on the network through 2031.
