Fubo debuts skinny sports service
Fubo launched a skinny content service called Fubo Sports that offers fans a lower priced option. The standalone plan has more than 20 sports and broadcast networks including ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, and Tennis Channel and features both national and local team coverage. It’s available in select markets with plans to expand to additional markets in the future. The service costs $55.99/month (there is a $10 promo discount for the first month bringing the cost down to $45.99). In addition to live channels, Fubo Sports includes VOD, Unlimited DVR and Family Share options. Since Fubo is now owned by Disney its no surprise that this services also comes with access to the new ESPN Unlimited streaming service at no extra charge.
The Circana Take:
- This is the product of Disney purchasing Fubo and now launching a service rather similar to the Venu sports offering that prompted the litigation and resulting acquisition.
Prime Video partners with Peacock
Peacock Premium Plus is now available as an ad-on in Amazon Channels as part of an expanded partnership. The service cost $16.99/month or $169.99/year. The deal went beyond the addition of Peacock to Prime Video Channels and renewed existing agreements that give customers access to the Peacock app on Fire TV; Universal Pictures movies for purchase and rental through Prime Video; and the ability to use Prime Video on Xfinity X1 and Xumo devices.
The Circana Take:
- Prime Video continues to ramp up its streaming offering with Peacock, building a well-rounded programming mix. Prime now offers all the top SVODs aside from Disney streaming services and Netflix. Notably, Disney and Netflix have enough scale to operate successfully outside of channel aggregations like this one from Amazon.
Walmart also partners with Peacock
Watch out Amazon, starting September 15, Walmart will expand its subscription offering by adding Peacock through a new benefit called “Video Subscription Choice”. Peacock joins Paramount+ which was added three years ago. The new offering allows Walmart+ subscribers to choose between a complimentary subscription to Peacock or Paramount+ and switch between services every 90 days.
The Circana Take:
- The key here is the flexibility to switch services, a core desire of consumers. Notably, switching is allowed every 90, not 30 days. That gives the streamers guaranteed engagement for two months longer than they get through a direct subscription. Everyone benefits.