About

Foxtel Now history, coverage, features

Foxtel Now is an Australian subscription-based streaming service owned and operated by the pay-television provider Foxtel. Founded in 2013, this platform offers subscribers access to live channels and on-demand titles, which can be streamed on most Internet-connected devices.

Initially launched as Foxtel Play in 2013, the service provided a cost-effective alternative to Foxtel's traditional cable and satellite pay-TV options. Foxtel Play debuted with over 40 live channels but rebranded to Foxtel Now in June 2017. This transition saw a reduction in the number of linear channels available, focusing instead on enhancing the variety of on-demand content.

The rebranding of Foxtel Now brought significant upgrades, including improved video quality, with options for both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) content. Additionally, support for Chromecast was introduced, enhancing users' viewing flexibility.

As the operator of Fox Sports Australia, Foxtel Now includes a range of American sports networks. In July 2023, Foxtel extended its partnership with ESPN, ensuring that ESPN channels and a selection of American sports broadcasts remain accessible on the platform.

Consequently, subscribers can enjoy a wide array of programming, including content from ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports 505-507, Fox Cricket 501, and more. The availability of these networks, however, depends on agreements between the broadcasters and the television company.

Thanks to these partnerships, Foxtel Now has delivered some of the biggest sporting events from the USA to Australian viewers, such as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and Major League Baseball (MLB). College football, basketball, and baseball also feature prominently, along with F1 and UFC events. Domestically popular sports—such as rugby, soccer, and Australian rules football—are also included, encompassing leagues like the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL).

Foxtel Now is compatible with most Internet-connected devices. However, it's worth noting that the Foxtel Now mobile app was discontinued in September 2019, with subscribers transitioned to the Foxtel Go application for streaming content on iPhones, and Android devices, as well as Windows (via the Chrome browser) and macOS (via the Safari and Chrome browsers) PCs and laptops. Despite this change, the Foxtel Now app continues to operate on smart TVs, select set-top boxes, game consoles, and other media streaming devices.