fuboTV, ROOT Sports Agree To Deal

ROOT Sports has agreed to a streaming distribution deal with fuboTV, according to BusinessWire, solving a recognized problem after the Portland Trail Blazers’ broadcasting arm left NBC Sports Northwest for ROOT, a competitor in the regional sports coverage market.

“We could not be more excited to announce this deal with fuboTV,” said Nina Kinch, Vice President of Affiliate Relations for AT&T Sports Networks, managing partner of ROOT SPORTS. “We know that fans are eagerly anticipating the inaugural season of the Seattle Kraken and the return of the Portland Trail Blazers to ROOT SPORTS and the announcement of this new deal will give fans even more ways to get access to ROOT SPORTS and guarantee they have access to all Seattle Kraken, Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Mariners games.”

“fuboTV is focused on bringing consumers their favorite hometown teams, alongside national and international sports coverage, and today’s partnership with ROOT SPORTS strengthens our offering in the Northwest,” said Ben Grad, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Acquisition for fuboTV. “We mirror fans’ excitement for the Seattle Kraken’s debut season, and we’re thrilled to bring fans in the Northwest streaming coverage of the Kraken alongside the Mariners and Trail Blazers. The addition of ROOT SPORTS means consumers can catch every game available for local telecast with fuboTV at an affordable price.”

Since the deal between Blazers Broadcasting and ROOT was announced, cordcutters have raised concerns about the lack of an online streaming option. This is one step toward alleviating those concerns.

ROOT also carries coverage for the Portland Timbers.