Sony virtual pay-TV platform PlayStation Vue has informed its customers that it will no longer carry BeIN Sports, a popular destination for international soccer matches.
“We want to let you know that as of Thursday, June 8, 2017, BeIN Sports will no longer be offered by PlayStation Vue,” Sony said in an email to customers. “When this happens, you will no longer be able to watch the channel, and any BeIN Sports programs saved in your DVR will no longer be available.
The email was intercepted and posted by Streaming Observer. Sony reps sent FierceCable the following statement: "Starting today, BeIN Sports and BeIN Sports en Español will no longer be available on PlayStation Vue. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to come to an agreement on terms with the network."
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BeIN sports carries soccer matches from La Liga, Serie A, Lique 1, Copa del Ray and other leagues. It also has programming related to other sports like rugby and motorcycle racing. The network is carried by other virtual MVPDs, including Sling TV and FuboTV.
As for PlayStation Vue, the trim comes after it jettisoned Viacom Channels last fall.
“At PlayStation, we always strive to provide the best value and service for our fans. As part of our ongoing evaluation of the PlayStation Vue offering, we have determined that removing the bundle of channels from Viacom is the best way for us to continue to offer the most compelling value to our fans,” said Dwayne Benefield VP and head of PlayStation Vue, in a blog post made at the time.
In a pole of analysts covering the digital video business conducted by FierceOnlineVideo last month, respondents were asked which v-MPVDs will survive in a now very heated but also somewhat commoditized v-MVPD market. Not one put Vue on the list.