Back in December, Fubo introduced a new subscription tier called “Essential,” which excluded regional sports channels and their associated hidden fees.
Four months later, Fubo has quietly removed Essential from its sign-up page for new subscribers, making the “Pro” plan the most affordable option.
While both Fubo Pro and Fubo Essential share the same $85-per-month base price, the Pro plan also includes a regional sports fee, adding at least $13 per month to the final cost. However, Fubo does not disclose this additional charge until users reach the final checkout page.
For now, the Essential plan remains available to existing subscribers and those reactivating an expired subscription. Fubo spokeswoman Jennifer Press confirmed via email that the plan is no longer being offered to new customers.
“Since Fubo is a sports-first offering, consumers prefer the Pro base plan with regional sports networks, especially during baseball season,” she stated.
Alternatives to Fubo
Many competing live TV streaming services exclude regional sports networks in most markets, making them more affordable than the actual price of Fubo Pro. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both cost $83 per month, while Sling TV starts at $46 per month. In contrast, Fubo Pro’s real starting price, after adding mandatory fees, is $98 per month.
Fubo TVFor those who do want regional sports coverage, there are other options. Many MLB, NBA, and NHL teams now offer direct-to-consumer streaming services, with prices varying from free in some regions to as much as $30 per month elsewhere.
DirecTV also includes regional sports in its “Choice” and higher-tier packages and has recently introduced a $20-per-month add-on for its new $70-per-month MySports plan.
A More Affordable Option on the Way
Although Fubo Essential is no longer available to new customers, the company has plans to introduce a separate “Sports & Broadcast” package in the latter half of this year.
While Fubo has yet to confirm pricing, sources have indicated to Matthew Keys that the package will likely be priced between $50 and $60 per month.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the pay TV industry, which has long been plagued by bloated and increasingly expensive channel bundles. Providers are gradually convincing networks to allow for more streamlined, genre-focused packages, though some resistance remains.
At this stage, it is unclear whether Fubo’s upcoming “Sports & Broadcast” package will include regional sports channels, but they are unlikely to be a mandatory part of the bundle.
