Judge Blocks Launch of Venu Sports Service

A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the launch of Venu Sports, a new sports streaming service from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, siding with rival Fubo in an antitrust lawsuit. Fubo argued that the joint venture would significantly reduce competition and disadvantage other distributors by bundling extensive sports content from the three companies. Judge Margaret Garnett indicated that Fubo is likely to prevail in its claims under the Clayton Act, prompting the companies to announce plans to appeal the ruling. The Venu platform was intended to cater to younger viewers seeking alternatives to traditional pay-TV subscriptions, especially with the NFL season approaching. Fubo's CEO hailed the decision as a victory for consumers, emphasizing the need for a competitive marketplace. The outcome of the appeal will be critical in shaping the future of sports streaming services.