Somewhere, a pig is soaring through the air.
In an unusual decision for a streaming platform, Fubo declared today that it is reducing the costs for certain subscription options.
Fubo is a sports-oriented vMVPD (virtual multichannel video programming distributor, or a firm that allows viewers to access traditional TV channels live via the Internet). Disney finalized its purchase of Fubo in October.
Today, Fubo revealed that monthly costs for several of its “Live TV” subscription options, which feature hundreds of channels, including non-sports channels like FX and The Disney Channel, will be as much as 14.8 percent less expensive. The revised pricing will take effect for “billing cycles on or after January 1, 2026,” according to Fubo.
Here are the adjusted prices:
- Essential: $74 per month (formerly $85/month)
- Pro: $75/month (formerly $85/month)
- Elite: $84/month (formerly $95/month)
When streaming platforms make pricing announcements, it typically indicates increased expenses for users.
Nonetheless, some users likely view the price reduction as essential rather than a bonus, as Fubo has been without NBCUniversal channels since November 21. The channels that have been blacked out consist of local NBC affiliates, Telemundo, nine regional sports networks (Fubo mentioned that users might also enjoy lesser fees after the January billing cycles if any regional sports channels they used to have are no longer available on Fubo), and 32 channels, such as Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, and USA Network. Fubo previously stated it would provide users with a $15 credit because of the blackout.
A representative from Fubo informed Ars Technica that the adjusted pricing “reflects NBCU removing their networks from Fubo.”
Fubo’s spokesperson mentioned they could not discuss whether the new prices would remain stable if Fubo reacquires NBCUniversal channels because that is “speculative.”
Fubo’s NBCUniversal blackout
In a statement on November 25, Fubo asserted that NBCUniversal is attempting to overcharge Fubo for the channels that will belong to Versant, a company being established from the spinoff of NBCUniversal’s cable channels and other digital assets, which is set to launch in January.
“Even though they aren’t worth the expense to Fubo users, Fubo proposed to distribute Versant channels for one year,” Fubo stated. “NBCU wants Fubo to enter into a multi-year contract—well beyond the period when the Versant channels will be managed by a separate entity. NBCU wants Fubo users to fund these channels.”
