Judge temporarily blocks sports streaming service Venu, ruling in favor of Fubo TV on antitrust concerns

A U.S. judge temporarily blocked media companies Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox from launching their sports streaming service, Venu, according to court filings.

The temporary injunction, granted in response to a lawsuit brought by Fubo TV, comes just weeks ahead of the start of the NFL season. The companies had planned to launch their service by that date.

The lawsuit brought by Fubo, an internet TV bundle akin to the traditional pay TV package, had claimed Venu would upend its business.

“We respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling and are appealing it,” the companies said in a joint statement on Friday.

“We believe that Fubo’s arguments are wrong on the facts and the law, and that Fubo has failed to prove it is legally entitled to a preliminary injunction. Venu Sports is a pro-competitive option that aims to enhance consumer choice by reaching a segment of viewers who currently are not served by existing subscription options.”

Fubo’s stock was up 20% on the news of the injunction. A Fubo representative didn’t immediately comment.

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