FuboTV has announced plans to create a new sports and broadcast service following an agreement with Disney which will see Hulu + Live TV combined with the sports outlet.
The company announced this week that global entertainment conglomerate Disney is set to become the majority owner of the merged corporate entity, controlling 70% of shares. Fubo will receive a $145m loan in 2026 as a result of the merger while also substantially expanding its sports content and reach.
Fubo’s planned new sports and broadcast service will feature content from Disney’s extensive portfolio of sports networks. This will include ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN+.
By securing stronger links with Disney-owned sports outlets, Fubo will gain access to content and coverage of some of the US’ most popular and widely consumed sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, among other notable tournaments.
Fubo’s Founder and CEO, David Gandler, will continue leading the company following its merger with Hulu + Live TV, alongside the rest of Fubo’s existing senior management team – though it will be governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Disney.
“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,” Gandler remarked. “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 development comes at an interesting time, with Fubo seemingly being welcomed into Disney’s ever-growing sports broadcasting family around six months after securing a court injunction to stop the expansion of said sports media family.
Back in August 2024, a New York district court approved Fubo’s move to block the launch of Venu Sports, a sports streaming platform developed by Disney, FOX and Warner Bro Discovery (WBD). The move came after a letter signed by US senators expressing concern about Venu’s potential impact on fairness and competitiveness in US sports broadcasting.
However, half a year later Fubo seems to have settled its legal spat with Disney, ESPN, WBD and FOX as part of the merger agreement. The company states that it has ‘settled all litigation’ with all four companies.
Fubo’s post-merger structure will see the existing Fubo and Hulu + Live TV continue to be delivered to customers as separate offerings, with each continuing to be steamed under the banner of their existing respective apps.
“This combination will allow both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo to enhance and expand their virtual MVPD offerings and provide consumers with even more choice and flexibility,” said Justin Warbrooke, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Development, The Walt Disney Company.
“We have confidence in the Fubo management team and their ability to grow the business, delivering high-quality offerings that serve subscribers with the content they want and offering great value.”
