PlayStation Vue confirmed that it has dropped beIN Sports and beIN Sports en Español, as another virtual MVPD, fuboTV, wants to turn that programming decision into an opportunity.
Streaming Observer reported on the decision Wednesday, citing a message from PS Vue to subscribers that it would no longer carry those networks as of Thursday, June 8.
“Despite our best efforts, we were unable to come to an agreement on terms with the network,” a PS Vue official said in an emailed statement. beIN Sports has also been asked for comment.
Update: beIN Sports issued this statement:
"For soccer fans and passionate viewers of the quality programming on beIN SPORTS, we regret to inform you we’ve reached an impasse involving our contract with Playstation Vue. Sony has refused to renew the contract with our channel and chosen to remove us from their PSVUE service. Because of this unilateral decision, our loyal subscribers like you will be deprived of access to beIN as of today. We made every possible effort to reach a deal with Sony since we believe the top sports leagues, games, insights and analysis should be made available to the largest possible audience of fans. Regrettably, Sony has decided that our value proposition is not enough for their viewers."
beIN Sports is also encouraging PS Vue subs to call the OTT service and ask for the return of its channels.
PS Vue’s decision to drop beIN Sports follows another one last November to drop Viacom channels, including Comedy Central, Spike and MTV, while adding others, including BBC America, NBA TV and Vice.
RELATED: PlayStation Vue Dropping Viacom Channels
The decision also reduces the number of virtual MVPDs that distribute beIN Sports.
Sling TV, Dish Network’s OTT TV service, offers beIN Sports to customers on its Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages that also take its Sports Extra package, which runs an additional $5 per month.
Meanwhile, fuboTV, the sports-oriented vMVPD, has stepped into the breach with a limited-time offer of a 40% discount on fuboTV Premier, a package that includes beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Español, and access to beIN Sports Connect, for two months. fuboTV said it will run the promo through June 23, 2017.
FuboTV’s current regular price for the Premier package is $34.99 per month.
Other virtual MVPDs such as DirecTV Now, Hulu and YouTube TV currently do not offer beIN Sports.
