Versant to Launch MS NOW Streaming Service with Ad-Supported Fandango

The streaming landscape is getting a new player in the ring! Versant, a company known for its cable offerings, is set to launch a new streaming service called MS NOW in mid-2026. But that’s not all – they also have big plans to turn their Fandango streaming hub into an ad-supported platform. Executives spilled the beans on all of this at an investor meeting in New York City.

Versant’s goal is to eventually make half of its revenue from traditional pay TV and half from new ventures. This includes beefing up CNBC’s products and acquiring assets to boost Fandango. They’re projecting a whopping $6.6 billion in revenue for 2025, with $3 billion in debt and $750 million in cash on hand.

CEO Mark Lazarus is excited about their already large digital and linear audiences with well-known brands across the country. He emphasized a strong focus on live programming, noting that while it’s challenging, it’s what audiences crave.

Versant recently made moves to acquire Free TV Networks, a provider of “diginets” and “FAST channels,” to help with digital distribution, as well as INDY Cinema Group, a cinema operating system to streamline ticketing and sales. These acquisitions give us a glimpse into Versant’s strategy as they embark on this new chapter.