News & Events zu Starz Entertainment Corp (STRZ)STRZStarz Entertainment Corp

Starz Signs New Distribution Agreement with Verizon Fios

Starz (STRZ) announced a new distribution agreement that restores all Starz channels, Starz On Demand and the Starz app through Verizon Fios (VZ).

STARZ and Verizon Negotiations Fail, Channels Removed

Starz (STRZ) issued the following statement regarding the status of its negotiations with Verizon (VZ) and the loss of all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and the STARZ app through Verizon Fios. "Despite extensive efforts by STARZ to reach a renewal agreement and preserve uninterrupted access for Verizon Fios customers, Verizon has chosen to remove STARZ. Verizon has mischaracterized our position, shown an unwillingness to negotiate and has been unproductive in progressing towards a mutually beneficial outcome," said Alison Hoffman, President, STARZ Networks. "STARZ is one of the few remaining independent entertainment companies in a marketplace increasingly dominated by large media and telecommunications conglomerates. For decades, we have invested in storytelling that reflects a broad range of voices, experiences and perspectives, while championing creators and audiences that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream entertainment. Verizon's decision to drop STARZ deprives its customers of access to a unique slate of programming that cannot be found anywhere else and leaves viewers with fewer choices. We stand ready to reach a fair agreement that restores STARZ to Verizon customers as quickly as possible." Since an agreement was not reached, customers have lost access to STARZ's programming, including the full "Power" Universe and the upcoming "Power: Origins," new hit drama "Fightland," every episode of the timeless romantic drama "Outlander" and its critically acclaimed prequel, "Outlander: Blood of my Blood," the upcoming season of the award-winning "P-Valley," the current season of the crime drama "S.W.A.T. Exiles," and the upcoming premiere of critically acclaimed drama, "Tip Toe," which are available exclusively on STARZ. Fans have also lost access to STARZ's extensive film library, including the global phenomenon Michael.

2026 Outlook: Adjusted OIBDA Growth Forecast Raised

2026 outlook: Reiterating outlook for positive year-over-year OTT revenue growth; Raising Adjusted OIBDA growth outlook from low-single-digits to mid-single-digits; Raising Unlevered Free Cash Flow outlook from between $80 million and $120 million to the mid-to-upper end of the range; Reiterating Adjusted OIBDA Leverage Ratio outlook exiting 2026 estimated to be approximately 2.7x.