Movistar Plus+ has just posted its best subscriber numbers yet, but that success hasn't stopped Telefónica from tightening its grip. In a major restructuring of its Spanish business, the board of directors of Movistar Plus+ has been eliminated, and Javier de Paz has stepped down as non-executive president. The content division now falls under the consumer unit led by Óscar Candiles.
Movistar Plus+ at Its Peak
Movistar Plus+ currently has 3.94 million subscribers, a 7.3% increase from a year ago. This growth comes just before the layoffs planned for late 2025, making the timing of the restructuring particularly striking. The platform is performing well, but its governance is being stripped away.
Why This Matters
Without its own board, Movistar Plus+ can no longer optimize its business independently; instead, it must align with the group's overall strategy. This shift could have significant implications for how the platform operates and competes in Spain's crowded streaming market. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles. A related thread runs through Amazon Data Centers Ignite Tax Revolt in Aragon Towns.

What to Expect Next
It's likely that standalone subscriptions to Movistar Plus+ will become less attractive, with its price increasingly bundled into convergent packages. Football remains the main anchor, but the future of original series is uncertain. In 2025, Movistar Plus+ laid off Domingo Corral, the executive responsible for its original fiction push. A unit measured by customer retention will prioritize football over prestige. Earlier coverage in AI Productivity Suites in 2026: How to Choose the Right One shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky Exits Microsoft Over Office Return.
Telefónica's Strategic Move
Telefónica hasn't punished Movistar Plus+; rather, it has decided that the platform's success is more valuable as a reason for customers to stay than as a standalone business. This strategic shift reflects the broader trend of telecoms integrating content to reduce churn and boost loyalty. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Amazon Luna Now on Fire TV in Spain: Cloud Gaming via Prime Video. The same theme surfaces in Spain May Trigger Olive Oil Withdrawal to Stop Price Collapse, which takes a different angle.
Key Takeaways
- Movistar Plus+ board dissolved; Javier de Paz steps down as non-executive president.
- Platform now reports to consumer unit led by Óscar Candiles.
- Subscriber base grew 7.3% year-over-year to 3.94 million.
- Standalone subscriptions may become less appealing as bundling increases.
- Original series could suffer as football takes priority.
Comparison: Before and After Restructuring
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Own board of directors | No board; integrated into consumer unit |
| Leadership | Javier de Paz (non-executive president) | Óscar Candiles (consumer unit director) |
| Business Focus | Optimize platform's own business | Optimize group's overall business |
| Content Strategy | Balanced football and original series | Likely prioritization of football |
FAQ
What happened to Movistar Plus+ board?
The board of directors of Movistar Plus+ was eliminated as part of Telefónica's restructuring of its Spanish business. Javier de Paz also stepped down as non-executive president.
Why did Telefónica restructure Movistar Plus+?
Telefónica aims to streamline decision-making and integrate content more closely with its consumer offerings. The move reflects a strategy to use Movistar Plus+ as a retention tool rather than a standalone business.
How many subscribers does Movistar Plus+ have?
As of the latest report, Movistar Plus+ has 3.94 million subscribers, up 7.3% from the previous year.
What will happen to original series on Movistar Plus+?
The future of original series is uncertain. With the departure of Domingo Corral and a focus on retention, football is likely to take precedence over prestige projects.