FuboTV Blackout Hits NBCUniversal Channels

FuboTV subscribers lost access to NBCUniversal channels on November 21, 2024, after contract negotiations between the sports-focused streaming service and the media company collapsed over disagreements on pricing and distribution terms. The blackout affects nearly 1.6 million Fubo customers across the United States, removing popular networks including NBC, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, Telemundo, Golf Channel, and regional sports channels just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The dispute centers on renewal of a carriage agreement that expired on November 20. Fubo, which emphasizes affordable sports bundles, accused NBCUniversal of demanding rates and packaging requirements that exceed those offered to comparable distributors. "NBCU has offered terms regarding pricing and packaging that are egregiously above those offered to other distributors," Fubo stated in a release. The company also claimed NBCUniversal refused to allow integration of its Peacock streaming service into Fubo's channel store, a right granted to competitors like YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, Fubo objected to a proposed multiyear commitment to carry NBCUniversal's legacy cable channels, set to...