Late last week, Fubo subscribers lost access to all local, regional and national NBCUniversal channels. Today Fubo provided a new statement on the dispute, providing more details on why the channels were removed from its lineup.
Key Takeaways
- Fubo subscribers lost access to NBCUniversal channels last week due to a dispute with NBCU.
- According to Fubo, the dispute centers on Versant (Comcast’s spin-off), increased costs related to the inclusion of NBCU channels in Fubo Sports, and the option to sell Peacock subscriptions.
- While the statement provides greater insight into the dispute, it doesn’t provide any insight into whether an agreement will be reached.
According to Fubo, the crux of the dispute comes down to three main issues – Versant, Comcast’s spin-off company created to oversee the NBCUniversal collection of channels, Fubo Sports, the skinnier live TV package launched earlier this year, and Peacock.
With the spinning off of various cable networks into Versant due to take effect on Jan 1, 2026, Fubo appears to be concerned about entering into any long-term agreements for these channels.
According to the statement, NBCU wanted Fubo to sign a multi-year deal while Fubo was only willing to distribute the Versant channels for one year.
“NBCU wants Fubo subscribers to subsidize these channels,” Fubo said.
In terms of Fubo Sports, Fubo says NBCU wants its channels to be included in the skinnier package, and suggests that their inclusion would ultimately result in a price increase being passed onto subscribers.
“NBCU wants Fubo to add expensive, non-sports channels, which will drive up the price paid by Fubo subscribers,” the statement reads.
The last main issue Fubo noted was Peacock. Specifically, how NBCU has previously allowed YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video to integrate Peacock directly into their respective channel stores.
According to Fubo, NBCU is refusing to offer Fubo the same option.
While still limited, Fubo launched its Fubo Channel Store earlier this month, offering customers a way to bundle billing for additional services and a more integrated streaming experience when using the Fubo app.
“NBCU is discriminating against Fubo and our subscribers,” Fubo said in relation to NBCU’s alleged refusal to allow Fubo to offer Peacock through its channel store.
While it remains unclear whether a deal between Fubo and NBCU will be agreed, and if so, when, the new statement provides some additional clarity on the situation, and the various hurdles the two companies still need to overcome in order for a deal to be reached.
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