As more pay-TV operators embrace leaner packages, Comcast Xfinity is rolling out Sports & News TV, a $70-per-month service based on two fundamental elements: live programming.
The $70 price is only available to customers who also have Xfinity Internet service. The package includes more than 50 broadcast, cable news and sports channels, plus Peacock, the NBCUniversal streaming service that enhances live sports offerings and integrates elements of MSNBC’s live news coverage. This bundle also includes 300 hours of cloud DVR storage.
The channel lineup includes local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, and Univision affiliates, as well as national cable channels such as CNBC, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. In sports, subscribers have access to the ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, FS1, GOLF Channel, and SEC Network. Xfinity says more than 100 FAST channels will also be accessible from the main menu.
Add Xfinity’s More Sports & Entertainment package for $9.95 a month, which adds channels like NFL RedZone, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and more. Xfinity’s StreamSaver package costs $15 and provides access to the ad tiers of Netflix and Apple TV+.
Sports & News TV joins the sports-focused package DirecTV introduced this month following a settlement between pay-TV operator Fubo and media giants Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. DirecTV’s service is also $70, but does not currently include CBS. The $70 price tag is much higher than Venu’s announced $43 price tag, but it’s a notch below the $83 price tag of major Internet distribution bundlers YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
In the Venu case, Fubo sued three people last year alleging anti-competitive conduct in an attempt to launch Venu, a sports-focused streaming service. The service was eventually discontinued after being embroiled in legal issues. In settling the lawsuit, Disney committed to acquiring majority ownership of Fubo, but opposition to Fubo’s venues centered on the company’s experience trying to offer more customized, sports-oriented bundles. . Hubo said those efforts were hampered by major programmers forcing the broadcast of less desirable non-sports channels, thereby raising prices for customers.
“Sports & News TV brings together the top networks for live sports and news and Peacock, the best streaming service for sports fans, to create a new video bundle packed with the best content at the best price, making every We’ve made it easy for our customers to find the content they care about most with a premium viewing experience,” said John Dixon, SVP of Entertainment at Comcast. “Sports & News TV is a great option for customers looking for great value in their entertainment without sacrificing their favorite live sports and news channels.”
