Fubo does not carry CNN. This reality has been a point of contention for potential subscribers since July 2020, when the streaming service officially dropped all channels owned by WarnerMedia, which is now part of Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite numerous updates to its channel lineup and significant corporate shifts, including a major merger with Disney-controlled entities in late 2025, the absence of CNN remains a defining characteristic of the Fubo platform.

The Current Status of CNN on Fubo

For those searching the Fubo electronic program guide for CNN, the results remain empty. Fubo has positioned itself as a sports-first live TV streaming service, but its "sports-first" mantra has often come at the expense of major news and general entertainment networks. As of the current television season, none of Fubo's subscription tiers—Pro, Elite, or Deluxe—include CNN, CNN International, or CNN en Español.

The lack of CNN is not an isolated incident. Because Fubo does not have a carriage agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, other high-profile networks are also missing from the service. This includes TNT, TBS, and truTV, which are essential for fans of the NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness, as well as lifestyle brands like HGTV, Food Network, and Discovery Channel.

Historical Context of the Fubo and Warner Bros. Discovery Split

The relationship between Fubo and what was then WarnerMedia fractured on July 1, 2020. At that time, Fubo was in the middle of a significant pivot. Originally launched as a soccer-centric streaming service, it was attempting to become a comprehensive "virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor" (vMVPD) to compete directly with cable giants and YouTube TV.

The primary reason for the split was the escalating cost of carriage fees. In the world of cable and streaming, a provider like Fubo must pay a monthly fee per subscriber to network owners. WarnerMedia reportedly demanded a significant price increase to carry their full suite of channels. Fubo, prioritizing its budget for regional sports networks (RSNs) and ESPN, decided that the cost of CNN and its sister channels was too high to justify without passing on a massive price hike to its customers.

During the 2020-2024 period, Fubo focused its investments elsewhere. They secured deals with Disney for ESPN and ABC, and they doubled down on RSNs, which allow local fans to watch their home teams—a feature many competitors like YouTube TV have largely abandoned. However, this strategy left a permanent hole in their news and "prestige" cable coverage.

Why CNN Is a Significant Loss for Fubo Subscribers

The absence of CNN is more than just a missing news ticker. For many households, CNN represents a primary source of live coverage during breaking news events, election cycles, and global crises. While Fubo offers other news outlets, the specific editorial lens and international reach of CNN are difficult to replicate.

Furthermore, the loss of CNN on Fubo often correlates with the loss of the broader Turner Sports portfolio. Because CNN is bundled commercially with TNT and TBS, Fubo users miss out on a significant portion of the sports calendar that Fubo claims to prioritize. For example, during the NBA playoffs or the MLB post-season, many games are broadcast exclusively on TNT or TBS. Fubo users find themselves in the awkward position of paying for a "sports-first" service that cannot show some of the year's most important games.

Alternative News Channels Available on Fubo

While CNN is absent, Fubo has not abandoned news entirely. The service provides a variety of alternatives that cater to different political and topical interests. Users who subscribe to the Pro or Elite plans still have access to a robust list of news providers:

  • Fox News Channel: The most-watched cable news network remains a staple of the Fubo lineup.
  • MSNBC: For viewers seeking a different perspective, MSNBC is included in the base packages.
  • Business News: Fubo carries CNBC and Fox Business Network for financial updates.
  • Broadcast News: Through local affiliates, users can access ABC News, CBS News, and NBC News coverage.
  • Digital News Streams: Fubo has integrated several digital-first news channels such as Newsmax, Scripps News, and Bloomberg Television.

In our testing of the Fubo interface, these news channels benefit from Fubo’s unique "Multiview" feature on devices like Apple TV. This allows a user to watch up to four news channels simultaneously, which is an excellent tool during major news nights, even if CNN is not part of that four-screen grid.

The Economics of Streaming Carriage Disputes

To understand why Fubo still doesn't have CNN, one must look at the thinning margins of the streaming industry. Unlike traditional cable companies, which often have internet service provider (ISP) revenue to fall back on, vMVPDs like Fubo operate on razor-thin margins.

The "All or Nothing" bundling strategy used by media conglomerates is the primary hurdle. Warner Bros. Discovery does not typically allow a provider to pick just CNN. They require the provider to carry a "bundle" that includes high-cost channels like TNT and TBS, along with several lower-rated channels. For Fubo, adding this bundle could potentially force a price increase of $15 to $20 per month for every subscriber.

Fubo’s management has frequently stated in earnings calls that they are focused on "content efficiency." They analyze viewership data to determine if a channel's cost matches its value to the subscriber base. While CNN has high brand recognition, Fubo’s internal data likely suggests that their core audience—hardcore sports fans—is more interested in keeping RSNs than gaining CNN if it means another price hike.

Best Streaming Alternatives for CNN Fans

If CNN is a non-negotiable part of your television diet, several other live TV streaming services offer the channel alongside a comprehensive lineup.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is currently the most popular alternative. It includes CNN, CNN International, and the full suite of Warner Bros. Discovery channels (TNT, TBS, etc.) in its base plan. While it lacks some of the niche international soccer coverage found on Fubo, its user interface and unlimited DVR make it a formidable competitor for news junkies.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV also carries CNN. Following the 2025 merger activities where Disney took a majority stake in Fubo, there was speculation that the lineups might converge. However, as of now, Hulu + Live TV remains a separate product with a different channel strategy that includes the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle.

Sling TV

For those looking for a budget-friendly way to get CNN, Sling TV’s Blue or Orange plans include the network for a fraction of the cost of Fubo. Sling is often the cheapest "official" way to stream CNN live without a full cable package.

Max (formerly HBO Max)

The most significant shift in CNN's distribution is the "CNN Max" 24/7 live stream available within the Max app. For users who love Fubo for its sports but need their CNN fix, subscribing to the Max app separately is often the most logical workaround. This provides the CNN live feed without needing to switch your entire TV provider.

Comparing the User Experience: Fubo vs. Competitors

When evaluating these services, the experience goes beyond just the channel list. In our hands-on review of Fubo's 2025 interface, the platform excels in technical performance. The stream latency is among the lowest in the industry, which is crucial for sports but also beneficial for breaking news.

However, the "discovery" experience on Fubo is heavily slanted toward sports. The algorithm suggests NFL or Premier League matches long before it suggests a news broadcast. In contrast, YouTube TV's "Top News" shelf is much more prominent. If you are a user who wants the TV to feel like a news command center, Fubo requires more manual navigation to get to your preferred information streams.

The Role of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

One reason Fubo remains competitive despite missing CNN is its commitment to RSNs. In markets like Boston, Chicago, or New York, Fubo is often the only streaming service (besides DirecTV Stream) that carries the local channels needed to watch every Celtics, Cubs, or Knicks game.

For many residents in these areas, the choice is between having CNN or having their local team. Data suggests that sports fans are more likely to stay loyal to a provider that has their team, even if it means missing a specific news network. This "moat" has allowed Fubo to maintain a subscriber base of over 1.5 million people despite the holes in its entertainment and news lineup.

Future Outlook for Fubo After the Disney Merger

The landscape of Fubo changed dramatically in late 2025. With the Walt Disney Company acquiring a 70% stake and merging Fubo’s operations with Hulu’s live TV backend, there is a possibility of a future "grand bargain" with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have shown a willingness to cooperate in recent years, notably with the "Venu Sports" joint venture (though that faced legal hurdles). If the Fubo brand is eventually absorbed fully into the Disney/Hulu ecosystem, CNN might return as part of a broader corporate agreement. However, for the immediate future, the two companies remain at a stalemate regarding carriage fees specifically for the Fubo-branded service.

The Rise of FAST Channels in the News Space

To compensate for the loss of "premium" news like CNN, Fubo has leaned heavily into FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) channels. These are channels that are typically available for free on platforms like Pluto TV or Roku Channel, but Fubo integrates them into their grid to bolster their channel count.

Channels like ABC News Live and NBC News Now offer 24/7 coverage and are increasingly professional in their production. For a casual news viewer, these might suffice. However, for those who want the specific analysis provided by CNN’s anchors and global correspondents, FAST channels are often seen as a "lite" version of the real thing.

Technical Requirements for Streaming News

Regardless of which service you choose to get CNN, the technical requirements have stabilized. To stream CNN or Fubo in 4K or high-bitrate 1080p, we recommend a consistent internet speed of at least 25 Mbps per stream.

Fubo's app is widely available on:

  • Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony.
  • Streaming Sticks: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV.
  • Mobile: iOS and Android.
  • Web: All major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).

If you are using a mobile device to watch news on the go, Fubo’s "Travel" features are quite robust, allowing you to watch your "home" local news even when you are in a different city, though this does not help with the missing CNN.

Final Analysis: Should You Choose Fubo if You Want CNN?

The decision ultimately depends on your "Must-Have" list.

  • Choose Fubo if: You are a hardcore sports fan who needs every RSN and international soccer match, and you are willing to get your news from MSNBC, Fox News, or a separate Max subscription.
  • Avoid Fubo if: CNN is your "background noise" channel or your primary window into the world, and you don't want the hassle of switching apps or paying for multiple subscriptions to get the Turner Sports (TNT/TBS) portfolio.

Fubo remains a powerful tool for a specific type of viewer, but its ongoing dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery means it is not the "one-stop shop" that some users hope it to be.

Summary

Fubo does not have CNN. The channel was removed in 2020 due to a disagreement over carriage fees between Fubo and WarnerMedia. While Fubo offers other news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC, and has unique features like Multiview, the absence of the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio (including TNT and TBS) remains a significant gap. Alternatives like YouTube TV or a standalone subscription to Max are the best ways to access CNN today.

FAQ

Why did Fubo drop CNN?

Fubo dropped CNN on July 1, 2020, because they could not reach a financial agreement with WarnerMedia regarding the cost of carrying the network and its sister channels (TBS, TNT, etc.).

Is there a way to add CNN to Fubo?

No, there is currently no "News Add-on" or premium tier on Fubo that includes CNN. The channel is completely absent from the platform's infrastructure.

Does Fubo have other news channels?

Yes, Fubo carries Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox Business, ABC News Live, NBC News Now, and several other digital news networks.

Can I watch CNN for free?

CNN is generally a "pay-TV" network. While you can watch short clips for free on their website, a live 24/7 stream usually requires a subscription to a cable or streaming provider, or a subscription to Max.

Will CNN ever return to Fubo?

While there are no active rumors of a return, the 2025 merger between Fubo and Disney/Hulu might eventually lead to new negotiations. However, as of 2026, no such deal has been announced.

What is the cheapest way to get CNN without cable?

Sling TV (Blue plan) is typically the most affordable way to get a live feed of CNN, often costing significantly less than a full Fubo or YouTube TV subscription.