Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly! This week is all about growth through innovation. ESPN and Fox are shaking up streaming with bold new services, AI is opening sustainable revenue streams for publishers, and SaaS innovators like Homebot are proving how engagement-driven strategies create lifetime value. Meanwhile, Cinemark continues to showcase how subscriber-first models drive loyalty and scale.

Subscription economy enters its next phase

After a decade of hypergrowth, subscriptions are evolving into a more mature, sustainable model. Deloitte reports that consumers are becoming more selective, with nearly half reassessing the value of their streaming services. Churn is rising, but experts say this isn’t the end of recurring revenue.  It's the beginning of a smarter era where flexible plans, clear value, and subscriber-first strategies drive long-term success. Read more

Streaming shake-ups: ESPN, Fox

On August 21, ESPN launched its long-awaited $30/month app, bundling live sports, fantasy features, betting, and multiview options. That same day, Fox debuted Fox One, a $19.99/month unified platform combining its news, sports, and entertainment into a single subscription. Both mark a rebundling play as traditional media giants fight for subscription relevance. Read about ESPN and read about Fox One. 

AI’s new revenue model for publishers

Perplexity is giving publishers 80% of revenue from its Comet Plus service, addressing long-standing concerns over AI’s use of media content. This marks a potential blueprint for sustainable AI-publisher partnerships. Read more

Homebot + Usherpa: turning closings into lifetime value

Homebot, the “client-for-life” platform for lenders, has partnered with Usherpa’s CRM to deliver monthly home wealth insights directly to borrowers. With 75% open rates and 52% engagement, the integration helps loan officers stay top-of-mind, generating referrals and repeat business long after closing. Read more

Work in the most exciting industry: Open roles in subscriptions

Your next big role is here: These leading companies are hiring. From software engineering to sales, here’s a round-up of interesting job offerings. 

Kahoot!: Game-based learning platform that brings engagement and fun to 1+ billion players at school, work, and home.

Twitch: Live streaming platform where users can watch and broadcast live video content. 

Principal UX Designer (San Francisco): Lead design strategy for content personalization and user engagement initiatives

New from Recurly 

Cinemark Movie Club: 1.45M members strong with Recurly

Cinemark built one of the entertainment industry’s top-performing subscription programs using Recurly’s platform. With features like credit rollovers, subscription pauses, tailored recovery strategies, and deep behavioral insights, Movie Club has grown to 1.45 million members while maintaining an industry-leading retention rate.Read the full story

Happening this week: NYC Dinner 

On August 28, we are hosting an exclusive dinner at Ludlow House for the minds shaping the future of subscriptions. Join Recurly to share strategies for expanding into new territories, balancing profitability with a world-class customer experience. This intimate evening, part of our What’s Next Series, is designed for building powerful connections. Request your invitation

New report: inside the mind of the modern subscriber

What truly drives a customer to subscribe, and what inspires them to stay? We asked over 1,000 consumers across the U.S. and EMEA, and now we're sharing the answers. This interactive report unpacks the core drivers of customer acquisition and retention, offering actionable tactics to build loyalty that lasts. Get the Insights

Virtual Event: take your subscription business global

Ready to scale across borders? Learn from the playbooks of the world's top subscription brands. Join us on September 24 for four dynamic virtual sessions loaded with tactics for international growth and engagement. Discover how to captivate a global audience and build a loyal following. Reserve your spot

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