Disney Seals the Deal: Hulu + Live TV Joins Forces with Fubo
Disney has officially closed its acquisition of Fubo, marking a major shake-up in the live TV streaming landscape. This merger brings together Hulu + Live TV and Fubo under one powerful umbrella — and it’s already being called one of the most significant media moves of the year.
So, here’s what’s happening. With this deal finalized, Disney now owns about 70% of the newly merged company, while existing Fubo shareholders hold the remaining 30%. Together, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will boast close to six million subscribers across North America, making the combined platform the second-largest virtual pay-TV provider in the U.S. — right behind YouTube TV, which currently has around 10 million subscribers.
What’s interesting is that, despite the merger, both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will continue to operate as separate streaming services. Viewers can still choose their preferred platform, whether it’s Hulu’s broader entertainment lineup or Fubo’s sports-heavy live offerings. Disney emphasized that customers will continue to see “distinct and flexible plans” with different pricing tiers, from budget-friendly packages to premium ones that pack in extra features and channels.
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Now, the road to this merger was not exactly smooth. Earlier this year, Fubo had filed an antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s planned sports streaming venture, known as Venu Sports. That joint project was eventually dissolved, and Fubo dropped the case — paving the way for this new partnership with Disney. Once regulators from the U.S. Department of Justice gave the green light, the deal quickly moved forward.
Leadership for the newly combined company is also taking shape. Fubo’s co-founder and CEO, David Gandler, will continue to lead day-to-day operations, while British media executive Andy Bird — formerly chairman of Walt Disney International — steps in as the independent chairman. Disney veterans like Debra OConnell, Cathleen Taff, and Jim Lygopoulos will also sit on the board, ensuring that Disney’s strategic vision remains deeply integrated into the new structure.
The merged company will deliver over 55,000 live sporting and entertainment events every year and benefit from shared advertising operations, more efficient content packaging, and a $145 million loan commitment from Disney slated for 2026. Executives are confident that the union will boost both profitability and flexibility in the highly competitive streaming market.
Gandler summed it up well when he said, “Together with Disney, we’re creating a more flexible streaming ecosystem that gives consumers greater choice while driving sustainable growth.”
In short, this merger isn’t just about two companies coming together — it’s about reshaping the future of live TV streaming. With Disney now holding the reins, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo could become a real challenger to YouTube TV’s dominance, offering viewers more content, more control, and perhaps, a fresh wave of innovation in how we all watch live television.
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