Verizon is shutting down its ad-supported streaming service (Go90).
Go90 launched 3 years ago and peaked at ≈17M unique viewers per month.
Why this matters: The promise of Go90 was combining Verizon’s subscriber data with ad-supported video content delivered OTT. Verizon is retreating at the exact time when their #1 rival (AT&T) is making big moves in this area.
Flashback #1: Verizon Expands Deal for NBA Games
Flashback #2: In New NFL Deal, Verizon Trades Mobile Exclusivity for Rights on Yahoo
Verizon agreed to pay $2.25B over 5 years to expand its ability to live stream NFL games beyond Verizon mobile phones.
Which properties can Verizon live stream on?
1) Yahoo
2) Yahoo Sports
3) Go90
4) NFL Mobile app
Fun jab: T-Mobile CEO (John Legere) took a shot at Verizon on Twitter.
More #2: Go90 promised to reinvent the TV ad model. Insteadit’s shutting down
More #3: Some advertisers are cooling on Oath and losing faith in Tim Armstrong’s vision
