Disney merges Hulu + Live TV with Fubo: What this means for viewers

Disney recently announced that it has acquired a majority stake in FuboTV and merged its Hulu + Live TV service with the sports-focused Fubo. This move has made the new entity the sixth-largest pay-TV service in the nation, boasting nearly 6 million domestic subscribers. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

The consolidated company will be governed by a nine-member board, led by Brad Bird, the former chair of Walt Disney International. The plan is to maintain Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as separate offerings accessible through their respective apps. Similar to other competitors like DirecTV and YouTube TV, both platforms provide a mix of traditional channels, including major broadcasters like ABC and CBS, as well as popular cable channels like Fox News, Bravo, and ESPN.

This development comes after FuboTV filed a lawsuit against Disney and two other media companies earlier this year over their joint venture, Venu Sports, which Fubo viewed as anticompetitive. The planned consortium of Disney, Fox Corp., and Warner Bros. Discovery was deemed a threat to Fubo’s business, leading to legal action that has now been settled with Disney’s acquisition of 70% of Fubo.

David Gandler, the co-founder and CEO of Fubo, expressed excitement about the new partnership with Disney, emphasizing their shared commitment to providing innovative and value-driven streaming services. This collaboration aims to offer consumers a more diverse range of viewing options within a dynamic streaming ecosystem.