Full Breakdown
FanDuel TV to Phase Out Operations by 2027
3/28/2026, 2:50:38 PM
Overview of the Phase-Out Announcement
FanDuel TV, a significant player in North American horse racing television since its inception in 1999, is set to undergo a substantial reduction in operations over the next 20 months. The announcement, made during a company-wide meeting, revealed plans to eliminate broadcasting of horse racing on television by 2027, impacting over 100 employees. The network, originally launched as the Television Games Network (TVG), will honor its commitments through the current Triple Crown season but will cut its workforce by approximately 60% by the end of June 2023.
Historical Context and Evolution
FanDuel TV began as TVG through a collaboration between TV Guide Inc., the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and AT&T. In 2008, it was sold to UK-based Betfair, which rebranded it as FanDuel TV in 2022 after merging with Flutter Entertainment. The network has been a central hub for live racing broadcasts, providing coverage and insights for over two decades. However, as sports betting has expanded across the U.S., the focus on horse racing has diminished, leading to the current phase-out.
Impact on the Horse Racing Industry
The decision to wind down FanDuel TV represents a significant contraction in the television exposure of horse racing, which has already faced challenges in maintaining a robust media presence. Currently reaching about 30 million households, the network has been instrumental in increasing wagering through its extensive coverage. Andrew Moore, FanDuel's general manager of racing, stated that the investments required to sustain a linear network did not align with the company's long-term strategy. He emphasized that while in-studio production will cease, live racing broadcasts will continue through partnerships with various tracks.
Reactions from Industry Stakeholders
The announcement has elicited shock and concern within the racing community. Caton Bredar, a long-time broadcaster for TVG, expressed sadness over the network's impending closure, reflecting on its historical significance and the emotional connection many have with it. Bredar noted, "It's pretty surreal because, having been on the network when it launched, you just never thought it would come as far as it has to only come to a halt." The loss of FanDuel TV is expected to leave a void in the industry, prompting questions about who will step in to fill the gap left by its departure.
Official Statements & Responses
FanDuel CEO Amy Howe communicated to employees that the continuation of the network did not align with the company's long-term vision. Moore reiterated that while the network is phasing out, commitments to track production will be honored through 2027, ensuring that fans will still have access to live racing coverage during this transition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the announcement has been met with widespread acknowledgment of its implications, there is a lack of clarity regarding the future of horse racing television coverage. The extent to which other networks, such as FOX Sports, will fill the void left by FanDuel TV remains uncertain, raising concerns about the overall impact on the sport's visibility and wagering activities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “continuation of the network did not align with the company's long-term strategy.” — Amy Howe, CEO of FanDuel
- “It's pretty surreal because, having been on the network when it launched, you just never thought it would come as far as it has to only come to a halt,” — Caton Bredar, Broadcaster
- “It just makes you wonder who is going to step up to try to fill that void, because if you don't, it will have been such a waste of all the work and the effort to build the network and build the following.” — Industry Stakeholder
