A federal judge granted FuboTV’s motion for a preliminary injunction against Venu Sports, a planned joint sports streaming venture by ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The judge ruled that the joint venture would likely violate antitrust laws and that Fubo and consumers would face irreparable harm without an injunction.
Driving the news: FuboTV filed a lawsuit alleging that ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery had imposed bundling requirements that prevented FuboTV from offering a sports-only streaming service.
- Following the ruling, ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced they would appeal the decision.
What they’re saying: Fubo CEO David Gandler said in a statement that the ruling is a victory for consumers.
- “This decision will help ensure that consumers have access to a more competitive marketplace with multiple sports streaming options,” Gandler said. “But our fight continues. Fubo has said all along that we seek equal treatment from these media giants, and a level playing field in our industry.”
- ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery released the following statement: “We believe that Fubo’s arguments are wrong on the facts and the law, and that Fubo has failed to prove it is legally entitled to a preliminary injunction. Venu Sports is a pro-competitive option that aims to enhance consumer choice by reaching a segment of viewers who currently are not served by existing subscription options.”
