SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
FuboTV has announced plans to launch a new sports and broadcast service following an agreement with Disney. This partnership will result in the integration of Hulu + Live TV with Fubo’s sports platform.
Disney is set to become the majority owner of the newly merged entity, controlling 70% of its shares. As part of the agreement, Fubo will secure a $145 million loan in 2026, enabling the company to significantly expand its sports content and market reach.
The new service will feature content from Disney’s extensive portfolio of sports networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, and ESPN+. Additionally, it will incorporate ESPN+ content, enhancing the overall offering.
By strengthening its ties with Disney-owned sports outlets, Fubo will gain access to coverage of major US sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as other notable tournaments. This move is expected to bolster Fubo’s position in the competitive sports streaming market.
David Gandler, Fubo’s Founder and CEO, will continue to lead the company post-merger, alongside the current senior management team. Governance will shift to a Disney-appointed Board of Directors.
“We are excited to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming service that combines the strengths of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV,” said Gandler. “This partnership allows us to deliver greater choice and flexibility to our customers while scaling effectively, strengthening Fubo’s financial position, and driving positive cash flow. It’s a win for our consumers, shareholders, and the streaming industry as a whole.”
This development follows Fubo’s legal challenges with Disney and other major media companies in 2024. In August, a New York district court approved Fubo’s injunction against the launch of Venu Sports, a joint streaming initiative by Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
The injunction came after US senators raised concerns about the platform’s potential impact on competition in the sports broadcasting market.However, as part of the merger agreement, Fubo has resolved all litigation with Disney, ESPN, WBD, and FOX, signalling a new phase of collaboration.
Post-merger, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to operate as separate services under their existing apps. “This integration enables both brands to enhance and expand their virtual MVPD offerings, providing consumers with even greater choice and flexibility,” said Justin Warbrooke, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at The Walt Disney Company.
“We are confident in Fubo’s management team and their ability to grow the business while delivering high-quality content that meets subscribers’ expectations and offers excellent value.”
