Movistar plus+ sweetens motor pack pain with free sports channels
Motor pack subscribers to Spain’s Movistar Plus+ have received an unexpected windfall: a temporary, expanded slate of sports channels. The move, announced this week, is a direct response to the frustrating cancellation of Formula 1 and MotoGP races due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, leaving many subscribers feeling shortchanged.
A reactive response to racing disappointment
The postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Qatar MotoGP race has left a significant portion of Movistar Plus+ users, particularly those dedicated to the Motor pack, without the racing action they pay for. Rather than simply weathering the storm, Movistar has opted to sweeten the deal by granting free access to the Deportes Total package—a significant upgrade for Motor subscribers.
The sudden appearance of these extra channels has baffled some long-time users. One commenter on the Movistar community forum reported, “Suddenly, I have Movistar Deportes channels on my decoder despite canceling them months ago. I didn't request this—what's going on?” This sentiment underscores the surprise and, for some, the welcome relief, of this unexpected perk.
From premier league to nba: a temporary sports feast
The free Deportes Total package offers a broad spectrum of sporting content, providing a welcome distraction for those missing their motorsports fix. Viewers now have access to everything from international football (Premier League, Liga F) to basketball (NBA, ACB) and even American football (NFL). The added value includes channels such as Deportes por M+, Golf por M+, DAZN Baloncesto, Eurosport, and a full suite of DAZN channels.
The financial implications of this gesture are notable. Motor subscribers typically pay €20 per month, while Deportes Total normally runs at €29. This means Movistar is essentially providing a €9 bonus for the month of April, with additional days in March and May adding up to approximately €12 in total compensation. It's a pragmatic solution, leveraging existing infrastructure to appease disgruntled subscribers.
The fine print: who benefits and for how long?
The offer is automatically applied to all subscribers of the Motor pack and will remain active until May 4, 2026. This extended timeframe gives viewers ample opportunity to enjoy the expanded sports lineup. While the cancellation of the F1 and MotoGP races stems from decisions made by those governing bodies—not Movistar itself—the operator’s response demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction.
But, as with any temporary promotion, the question looms: what’s next? Recent price hikes for sports packages, coupled with the testing of a DAZN MotoGP channel, suggest Movistar’s strategy is evolving. Whether this free offering is a one-off concession or a precursor to a broader shift in pricing remains to be seen.
Ultimately, Movistar’s move is a calculated maneuver—a temporary balm for a racing-deprived audience, while simultaneously navigating a shifting landscape of sports broadcasting costs and consumer expectations. The question now isn’t whether the gesture is appreciated—it clearly is—but whether it’s a sustainable strategy in the long run.