Fubo and the Disney-owned Hulu Plus Live TV services will merge their live TV streaming operations, both companies announced on Monday. The Walt Disney Co. will become the majority stakeholder of the combined business, with the joint service working under Fubo’s brand name.
According to a press release, Fubo and Hulu with Live TV will continue to be offered separately, but new subscription packages will be available after the deal closes. Customers will continue to use the Fubo app to watch Fubo programming, and Hulu’s live TV subscribers will retain access to the Disney bundle and stream content via the Hulu app.
The move marks an end to the antitrust lawsuit Fubo filed against Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery for the now-unlaunched Venu Sports streaming service. Litigation has ended among all parties.
As part of the arrangement, Disney has signed on for a new carriage agreement that will permit Fubo to launch a “Sports & Broadcast service, featuring Disney’s premier sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN Plus.” Currently, Fubo carries a hefty lineup of RSNs, but the streamer lost WBD-owned channels such as Food Network, HGTV and TLC in May 2024, and has been unable to license TNT, TBS and TruTV. The new venture allows both streaming platforms to expand channel offerings and content for subscribers.
Fubo CEO and co-founder David Gandler will run the joint operation. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming company that combines the strengths of the Fubo and Hulu + Live TV brands,” he said. “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility. Additionally, this agreement allows us to scale effectively, strengthens Fubo’s balance sheet and positions us for positive cash flow. It’s a win for consumers, our shareholders, and the entire streaming industry.”
The merger is pending regulatory approval, and both services will be responsible for cutting their own deals for carriage agreements.
