The planned virtual multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD), Venu Sports, a joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, has been officially cancelled. The announcement follows a settlement with FuboTV, which had previously been considered a potential partner in distributing Venu as part of Hulu + Live TV.
“After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch the streaming service. In an ever-changing marketplace, we determined that it was best to meet the evolving demands of sports fans by focusing on existing products and distribution channels. We are proud of the work that has been done on Venu to date and grateful to the Venu staff, whom we will support through this transition period,” a statement released by the partners on January 10, 2025, explained.
While the Hulu + Live TV and Fubo partnership, along with Disney's investment in Fubo, will proceed, Venu will not be launched as a separate entity. The service was initially slated for a fall 2025 launch, offering a bundle of channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and Turner networks, alongside ESPN+ access. However, legal challenges and evolving market conditions ultimately led to its demise.
Venu faced significant hurdles in 2024, including an antitrust lawsuit from FuboTV. Although a settlement was reached, concerns regarding the potential anticompetitive nature of a service like Venu persisted. The project was further hampered by an injunction issued in 2024, delaying and ultimately preventing its launch. Reports suggest Disney played a key role in the decision to cancel Venu, particularly in light of its plans to relaunch ESPN+ with linear feeds of its networks.
The cancellation will impact approximately 150 employees who were working on the Venu project. While the specifics of severance or support are unclear, it is anticipated that they may be able to apply for positions within the sports divisions of the partner companies.