A US judge has temporarily blocked the launch of Venu Sports, the joint sports streamer backed by Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Fox.
The temporary injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit brought by rival sports streamer Fubo TV. It comes weeks ahead of the planned launch of Venu Sports.
Fubo alleged in its lawsuit that Venu Sports was anti-competitive and would affect its business.
“Today’s ruling is a victory not only for Fubo but also for consumers. This decision will help ensure that consumers have access to a more competitive marketplace with multiple sports streaming options,” said Fubo CEO David Gandler.
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“We respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling and are appealing it,” Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Fox said in a joint 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.”
Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox and Disney’s ESPN announced the joint venture streaming service in February. Shortly after, Fubo filed an antitrust lawsuit against Venu Sports.
Venu Sports would include the companies’ portfolios of sports networks and certain direct-to-consumer services in a single streaming sports service. It would give fans access to sports networks including ESPN, ABC, Fox, TNT as well as ESPN+, and wouyld carry events such as NFL, NBA, US Open, Formula 1 and FIFA World Cup. Venu Sports was set to be available for $42.99 per month.
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