Its Official Disney’s Hulu + Live TV Merges with Fubo in Streaming Shakeup | Cord Cutters News
Disney & Fubo: A Streaming Shake-Up!
In a blockbuster move that reshapes the streaming battlefield, Disney and FuboTV are joining forces to create a powerhouse in the live TV streaming space. The deal merges Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, forming a virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) giant that aims to give consumers more options and flexibility. While both services will still operate independently, Disney will take the reins as the majority stakeholder, holding a hefty 70% of the combined company. Despite this, Fubo will keep its name, stay publicly traded, and continue to be led by its current CEO, David Gandler.
Gandler sees this merger as a triple win—more choices for consumers, greater value for shareholders, and a major shake-up in the streaming world. The partnership is particularly exciting for sports fans, as Fubo will now gain access to Disney’s heavy-hitting sports networks like ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+. This could mean a brand-new Sports & Broadcasting package, while Hulu + Live TV keeps its status as the go-to platform for entertainment within the Hulu app and the Disney Bundle.
But this isn’t just about content—there’s big money in play. The merger also puts an end to an ongoing legal battle between Fubo and media giants Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The resolution? A $220 million payout to Fubo, clearing the way for smoother business operations. Disney is also backing the deal financially, promising a $145 million loan to Fubo in 2026 to ensure stability as the newly merged entity moves forward.
This strategic alliance could set the stage for even more media industry shakeups if approved. The streaming wars have been defined by fierce competition, but this move hints that consolidation might be the future. With subscriber growth slowing and content costs skyrocketing, collaboration could be the secret weapon to staying ahead……….[read more]
Rising Dough
As streaming giants shift strategies through mergers and acquisitions, how might this impact how consumers access content, the role of advertisers, and the long-term profitability of these platforms?
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In connection with the Transaction, Disney will enter into a new carriage agreement with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new Sports & Broadcast service, featuring Disney’s premier sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN+