DirecTV has launched a sports streaming bundle featuring 40 channels, targeting sports fans after Venu’s recent closure
New York: DirecTV just rolled out a new package for sports lovers. It’s called the MySports skinny bundle, and it’s got 40 channels dedicated to sports and broadcasting.
This bundle is launching in 24 markets, including big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. If you’re in those areas, you’ll also get local ABC, NBC, and Fox channels.
Vince Torres, DirecTV’s chief marketing officer, mentioned they’ve been working on this for over a year. They wanted to know what viewers really wanted and then made deals with major networks like Disney and Fox to put this together.
The MySports bundle includes popular channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and networks for the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten. You’ll also find Golf Channel, TNT, TBS, and channels for the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. More local channels will be added as they finalize agreements.
However, CBS and Paramount channels aren’t part of this package right now. The bundle also features some channels from DirecTV’s MyFree ad-supported options, and they plan to add ESPN+ and more direct-to-consumer channels later.
This announcement comes right after Venu Sports, a joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, decided to shut down. DirecTV had a bit of a tussle with Disney last September over a new agreement, aiming to offer smaller channel bundles.
They’re also looking to launch bundles in other genres soon. For now, the MySports bundle is priced at $49.99 a month for the first three months, which is a steal compared to their other packages that start at $86.99 for over 90 channels.
A recent poll showed that 78% of sports viewers prefer smaller channel bundles, so it seems like DirecTV is on the right track with this new offering.
