Fubo has taken a significant step in its quest to become a dominant force in streaming aggregation by introducing standalone premium subscription services. This move empowers consumers to subscribe to select live and on-demand content without needing a base plan.
The initial lineup of networks available under this format includes FanDuel Sports Network, formerly Bally Sports, NBA League Pass and Paramount+ with Showtime. While FanDuel Sports Network remains part of the Fubo Pro base plan, and NBA League Pass and Paramount+ can be purchased as add-ons, consumers now have the option to buy them separately.
Subscribers to any of these offerings will also receive Fubo Free, a collection of nearly 200 free, ad-supported streaming television channels.
The introduction of standalone services is a key component of Fubo’s “super aggregation strategy,” as stated by the company. This strategy aims to provide flexible content bundles, ranging from "skinny" to "fat," at varying price points, all within the Fubo ecosystem.
Driven by the growing consumer demand for a seamless streaming experience, Fubo will now offer three distinct channel plan tiers:
- Fubo Free: A selection of free, ad-supported channels.
- Fubo Pro: The base plan with a core selection of channels.
- Standalone Premium Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions to select networks like FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass, and Paramount+.
Fubo customers who subscribe to live linear subscription services will also enjoy unlimited cloud DVR and the ability to stream from multiple screens simultaneously.
“Consumers want flexible streaming options that lets them subscribe to only the content they want to watch,” said David Gandler, co-founder and CEO, Fubo, in a statement. “Our vision to be a Super Aggregator aims to give consumers a seamless way to access all of the content they love within the Fubo ecosystem and at appropriate price points. With the addition of standalone live and SVOD premium subscriptions, we believe offering multiple bundles, from skinny to fat, will put choice in the hands of our customers. This is what streaming should be.”
The company has announced that launches of additional standalone premium subscription services, encompassing both live linear and SVOD options, are in the pipeline.
Fubo has initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Venu Sports, a joint venture co-owned by Fox, ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery. The streamer, initially scheduled for a fall 2024 launch, is currently on hold after a judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing its commencement.