YouTube TV could reportedly launch a new skinny bundle; Comcast president Mike Cavanagh discusses potential M&A; and FanDuel Sports Network outlines a new FAST strategy. Plus news on the WNBA, Westwood One, MSG Networks and Monumental Sports Network.
YouTube TV could reportedly launch new skinny bundle
The Walt Disney Company and Google-owned YouTube have discussed the possibility of distributing Disney-owned channels via a skinny bundle during their ongoing carriage negotiations, according to Jacob Feldman of Sportico. A potential offering with broadcast networks and sports channels would reportedly be tailored to sports fans “at a lower price point,” adopting a similar model to products from DirecTV and Fubo. Feldman conveyed that “a new tie-up” could bring the launch of such an option closer to becoming a reality.
John Ourand of Puck reported in August that distributors viewed the bundle between ESPN DTC and Fox One to be “essentially the same business” as the proposed Venu Sports joint streaming venture. Opposition to Venu was rooted in distributors lacking “the flexibility to offer the same style of skinny bundle,” Ourand wrote.
YouTube TV is estimated to have 10 million subscribers and is currently reported to be the third-largest distributor in the United States. MoffettNathanson predicted last year that it would surpass Comcast to take hold of the top spot by 2026. According to its most recent earnings report, Comcast has 11.5 million domestic pay television customers.
As of Thursday night, Disney and Google have yet to reach a new carriage agreement or extension of the current deal, and some ESPN talent shared videos Thursday afternoon alerting users that they could lose access. Disney this week called out Google for “exploiting its position at the expense of their customers” and began notifying subscribers of a potential blackout. Google replied that Disney was “proposing costly economic terms” leading to higher prices and diminished choice for customers.
Cavanagh discusses potential Comcast M&A
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh told investors during a quarterly earnings call Thursday while the company will do its due diligence, “the bar is very high” for it to consider any mergers or acquisitions “given how strongly we feel about the businesses we have, the strategies we’re pursuing, and the opportunities we have ahead of us.”
If Comcast were to pursue any merger opportunities, Cavanagh said it would be looking at streaming and studio assets. Comcast has reportedly been interested in Warner Bros. Discovery, which recently indicated that it would be reviewing potential sale options despite plans to split into two publicly traded companies next year — including a streaming and studios division that is expected to be coveted by multiple media companies.
But ultimately, Cavanagh indicated that NBCU is satisfied with its current situation: “I think the strategies we have are really sound and durable without M&A.”
Comcast’s media division finished the quarter with EBITDA of $832 million, a 28% YoY increase, while Peacock reduced its losses to $217 million and remained flat at 41 million subscribers despite a price hike in July. Cavanagh also called sports a cornerstone of its media business. “As audiences continue to shift from linear to streaming, the multiple benefits of sports becomes an even greater advantage. Live sports continue to deliver strong viewership and ad performance across broadcast and streaming.”
FanDuel Sports Network to air select NBA, NHL games on streaming platforms
FanDuel Sports Network will offer access to select local NBA and NHL game broadcasts streaming directly on Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV beginning in mid-November, it was announced Thursday. The new digital distribution initiative will expand to other platforms with games free from a paywall Furthermore, the games will be made available on in-market stations accessible over the air.
Eric Ratchman, chief revenue officer of Main Street Sports Group, called the launch “a big step in expanding our national reach and continuing to prioritize the different ways fans can watch their hometown teams.” FanDuel Sports Network added that it is the “first sports media brand to evolve OTA access into a streaming-first habit.”
Fans are already able to add on FanDuel-branded RSNs on Prime Video under a commercial agreement that took place during Ch. 11 bankruptcy. Main Street was known as Diamond Sports Group at the time, and it emerged from the proceedings in January after over 20 months with a “significantly deleveraged balance street.” Since that time, it has made new executive hires, restructured its RSNs and launched new programming.
The new shows, which consist of “Countdown Live” with Stan Verrett and “Golic & Golic” hosted by Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr., will be available on a 24/7 FAST channel the company is planning to launch next year. The company described the venture as a “national front door to help amplify” its programming roster. It is unknown if the network would contain shows airing on FanDuelTV, which introduced its own FAST channel last May.
Plus: WNBA, Westwood One, MSG Networks, Monumental Sports Network
- The WNBA and WNBPA have reportedly reached a 30-day extension of their existing collective bargaining agreement ahead of the deal’s Friday expiration, according to Ben Pickman of The Athletic.
- Armen Williams has been named the executive director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming and will be responsible for leading the new schedule scheduled to launch in late December. The new role involves oversight regarding other aspects of the business as well, including brand management, technical operations and strategy for social media platforms.
- Former New York Knicks forward Steve Novak is joining MSG Networks where he will serve as a color commentator for various games throughout the 2025-26 NBA season. Novak, who previously worked for FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin on Milwaukee Bucks broadcasts, will fill in for Walt “Clyde” Frazier and work alongside play-by-play announcers Mike Breen and Tyler Murray during the year.
- Former NBA players John Wall and Brendan Haywood are joining the Washington Wizards broadcast team at Monumental Sports Network, it was announced Thursday. Wall will contribute to studio coverage on pregame and postgame shows, while Haywood will serve as a color commentator for select live games.
