As expected beINSports and beIN SPORTS en Español have been removed from the Verizon FiOS TV lineup, after the two companies could not come to terms on a new carriage agreement or extend their existing contract. Who loses in the end? The subscribers who want to watch some great international soccer matches.
The blackout on Verizon follows Comcast’s removal of beIN Sports a day earlier on Aug. 1.
“Despite its offer to extend its contract with Verizon on the same rates and terms, Verizon chose to abruptly cease negotiations and drop the beIN SPORTS channels from its platform,” said beIN SPORTS’ Managing Director U.S and Canada, Antonio Briceño.
According to the network they were asking for the same “modest fee increase structure” that was established upon launching in 2012, but that as in the Comcast dispute the provider is looking to re-package the channels in a higher-priced service tier, therefore asking subscribers to pay more. “Verizon falsely claims that beIN sought ‘significant’ rate increases,” added Briceño.
With a second service provider dropping the channels, however, it’s starting to look like beINSports may be the guilty party here. Although, service providers are notorious for undervaluing the content it distributes, or simply looking for deal. If a third provider ends up dropping beINSports the network is going to have to reevaluate its programming budget and operating expenses moving forward.
beIN Sports provides live coverage of international soccer from LaLiga, Serie A, El Clásico, Copa del Rey and other leagues and tournaments. The network recently added Conference USA collegiate sports such as college football, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. And, broadcasts other sports including rugby, tennis, motor sports, MMA.
