• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 9, 2025

FuboTV’s Uncertain Position in the Streaming Wars

  • FuboTV posted record revenues, but also a sharp uptick in operating costs in Q1, leading to a loss on the quarter.
  • Analysts are divided on the long-term prospects of the streaming bundler service.
FuboTV/Design: Alex Brooks

FuboTV hit a record with its Q1 earnings. The question now is whether those figures represent a trajectory or a peak.

The streaming platform grew revenue 135% year-over-year to $119.7 million in the quarter — but also sustained an 80% increase in operating expenses, leading to an overall loss of $70.2 million.

Launched in 2015, the company’s 590,430 subscribers are dwarfed by legacy companies with huge portfolios of original content and streaming rights.

  • Peacock, with 33 million subscribers, includes the NBC Sports network of shows and broadcasts.
  • ViacomCBS reached 36 million subscribers across its various streaming services, namely Paramount+, which was buoyed by the Super Bowl and NCAA tournament.
  • Disney+ reached 100 million subscribers in March. Some subscribers bundle with ESPN+, which has 12 million subscribers and is solely focused on sports broadcasting and original content. 

Though some see reason to be bearish on fuboTV — like the Q1 addition of only 43,000 net subscribers despite $22.1 million spent on sales and marketing — the broader reaction to its earnings was positive.

FuboTV’s stock shot up nearly 30% from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning before settling down to a 23% increase by midday Wednesday, on a day that was otherwise a bloodbath for the market.

The leading reason to be bullish on fuboTV? Fubo Sportsbook, which launches in Q4 2021 and already has licenses to operate in Indiana, Iowa, and New Jersey. The company acknowledged growing competition in the space but said its ability to “combine streaming and gaming” into one experience will set it apart.

DraftKings could emerge as a rival. The company already integrates its sportsbook with Dish and its OTT subsidiary Sling in a limited capacity, but there’s speculation that it wants build its own OTT service from the ground up.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.

Michael Johnson’s New Track League Gets Boost With Media Deal

Noah Lyles said he wasn’t committing until a media deal was announced.

Comcast Stock Falls, but Peacock and Sports Rights Provide Hope

Revenue grows at Peacock while TV, internet subscriptions slide again.
U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro (left) and Sunil Gulati (center) and MLS commissioner Don Garber (right) pose for a photo.

Billionaire Who Chaired NASL Admits He Used Burner Account to Attack MLS,..

Rocco Commisso, the Mediacom founder, compared the MLS commissioner to Harvey Weinstein.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
exclusive

5 Big Sound Bites From Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX

Straight shooting from Greg Olsen, Billie Jean King, and more.
February 7, 2025

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.
February 7, 2025

Jameis Winston Eyes NFL Return, but Keeps Door Open for Potential TV..

Jameis Winston played for the Browns last season.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton (44) leads Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit.
February 7, 2025

Netflix Exploring Bid for Formula One Rights in U.S. Starting 2026

ESPN holds the rights to F1 through 2025.
February 7, 2025

How Much Longer Can Fox Sports Keep the Top-Rated Pregame Crew Together?

The three have been at Fox NFL Sunday since 1994.
Stephen A. Smith
exclusive
February 5, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Says Deal to Return to ESPN Coming ‘Very, Very..

Smith’s old contract was set to expire this summer.
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; FOX broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
February 5, 2025

Tom Brady Cagey About Scope of Role With Raiders

Brady was approved as a minority owner in the Raiders in October.