Fubo combining with Disney’s Hulu + Live TV in attempt to rival YouTube TV

Disney’s Hulu + Live TV and sports streaming service Fubo are combining in a deal that will also see the settlement of a lawsuit against the creation of Venu Sports

Monday 06 January 2025 20:55 GMT

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Disney's Hulu + Live TV and sports streaming service Fubo are combining in a deal that will also see the settlement of a lawsuit against the creation of Venu Sports.

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV both allow customers to stream live broadcast and cable networks on their connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices.

The combined company, which Disney will have a 70% stake in, will operate under Fubo's publicly traded company name and be led by Fubo's existing management team. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV have a combined 6.2 million North American subscribers.

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will still be available to consumers as separate offerings once the transaction closes.

“This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility," Fubo CEO David Gandler said in a statement. “Additionally, this agreement allows us to scale effectively, strengthens Fubo’s balance sheet and positions us for positive cash flow.”

Disney has committed to a $145 million term loan to Fubo in 2026. There's also a $130 million termination fee payable to Fubo under certain circumstances.

Disney said it will also enter into a new deal with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new sports and broadcast service that features Disney’s sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS and ESPN+.

The companies said that Fubo has settled all litigation with Disney and ESPN related to Venu Sports, the sports streaming platform that was planned by ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. Fubo has also settled all litigation with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.

In August a federal judge granted Fubo’s motion for a preliminary injunction against Venu Sports.

Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery will make a $220 million payment to Fubo.

Shares of Fubotv Inc. more than doubled in early Monday morning trading, while Disney's stock rose slightly.

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