Fubo is giving subscribers an explanation for why a deal with NBCUniversal still hasn’t been made, keeping the channels blacked out on the streaming platform.
In a statement released today, Fubo first says that NBCUniversal wants the platform to sign a multi-year deal to carry Versant channels, while Fubo was only open to carrying the channels for one year. Versant is the spinoff formed by Comcast which includes most of NBCUniversal’s cable networks and digital assets, including the rebranded MSNBC.
According to Fubo, NBCUniversal is also trying to get in the way of the streaming service offering Fubo Sports, a skinny bundle just for sports channels. NBCU is looking for a deal that would add unwanted, non-sports channels to the bundle, which would increase the price without adding value.
Finally, Fubo claims that NBCUniversal is engaging in discriminatory tactics, saying: “NBCU is discriminating against Fubo and our subscribers. They allowed YouTube TV and Amazon Prime video to integrate Peacock directly into their channel store, but refused to give Fubo the same rights. Fubo’s goal is to make Peacock available directly in our channel store so subscribers can access all of their content in one place and seamlessly pay on one bill.”
The blackout started on November 21, with Fubo saying “NBCU has offered terms regarding pricing and packaging that we believe are egregiously above those offered to other distributors our size.” NBCUniversal responded, saying that they offered the same terms that other distributors had already agreed to.
Fubo says it will offer subscribers a $15 credit if the channels are blacked out for an extended period.