DirecTV has officially launched MySports, a sports-centric streaming bundle that provides access to live NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games across over 40 channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT Sports, and USA Network, as well as local ABC, Fox, and NBC stations. The service, which costs $69.99 per month, is available to stream from DirecTV's app on mobile and smart TV platforms, with no satellite TV subscription required.

The announcement comes on the heels of the recent collapse of Venu, a live sports streaming venture backed by Disney-owned ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The project was scrapped due to an antitrust lawsuit from Fubo, although Fubo later dropped the lawsuit after Disney agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with the service. DirecTV and EchoStar, however, were not pleased with the decision, paving the way for MySports to fill the gap in the sports streaming market.

MySports is positioned as a more affordable alternative to competitors like YouTube TV, which starts at $82.99 per month, and Fubo, which costs $79.99/month and up. Despite offering access to dozens of channels, MySports is still working to add local CBS content, with Vince Torres, DirecTV's chief marketing officer, stating that the company is in "early discussions" with the network about a potential deal.

The launch of MySports aims to address the fragmented sports streaming landscape, where live NFL, NBA, and MLB games are currently scattered across different services like Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV Plus, and Paramount Plus. By consolidating these offerings into a single package, DirecTV hopes to provide a more streamlined and convenient experience for sports fans.

Initially, a beta version of MySports will only be available in 24 metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, and others. The MySports app is supported by several smart TV platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, and also offers unlimited DVR. DirecTV has promised to add additional networks, local stations, and ESPN Plus to MySports at a later date for "no extra cost."

Beyond MySports, DirecTV plans to launch similar genre-based bundles in the coming months, as part of its vision for a "brighter TV future for consumers." According to DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow, "This is the first of several genre-based options we plan to launch over the coming months." This move is likely to shake up the streaming landscape, as DirecTV seeks to establish itself as a major player in the market.

The launch of MySports marks a significant shift in DirecTV's strategy, as the company looks to adapt to the evolving streaming landscape. With its focus on live sports and affordable pricing, MySports is poised to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from casual fans to die-hard enthusiasts. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, DirecTV's bold move is likely to have significant implications for the industry as a whole.